PROJECTILE

MOTION
 PROJECTILE MOTION
Projectile motion – is the motion of the body under the influence of gravitational force.

A projectile – is an object that when given an initial velocity it moves freely in space under the
influence of gravity

Projectile motion it is two dimensional motion because moves horizontally as well as vertically.

Example of projectile motion :-

• A body dropped from the window of moving train

• A bullet fired from the gun
• A cricket ball thrown in the direction
• A kicked ball

PROJECTILE MOTION

Assume projectile is projected from the origin o with initial velocity V o at an angle ∅ above the
Horizontal . The projectile rise to the highest point B and the descends .It finally strikes the ground at
point D at some horizontal distance from its point of projection O.

y
B

Vo

O ∅ D

R x

Where

∅ = angle of projection

R= Range = horizontal distance OD = horizontal range of projection

OBD = Time of flight = Trajectory

Note; trajectory of a projectile is a parabola.

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Assumption on projectile motion

• Air resistance is neglected

• Variation in magnitude of acceleration due to gravity is neglected

Because projectile motion is two dimensional motion .So velocity is divided into two components along
the horizontal Vx and along the vertical Vy

For X- direction Vx – Motion along the horizontal

Vx = Vo cos∅ ……………………………..1

For y – direction Vy – motion along vertical

Vy = Vosin s∅………………………..11

Consider the diagram

Vo B

∅ t=T

t=0 O R D x
Velocity at any point along horizontal Vx

Recall V = U +at

But along horizontal , V = Vx , U = Vocos∅ , a = ax

But ax = 0, because acceleration provided has no effect on horizontal motion

Vx = Vo cos∅

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This means that at any time t, when projectile is an n flight the horizontal component of the initial
velocity remains constant.

Distance covered horizontally at time t

Recall

S = Ut + ½ at2

But in motion along horizontal

S = X , U = Ux = Vocos∅ , a = ax = 0

X = ( Vocos∅)t

Motion along Vertical direction

Velocity at any point along vertical

Recall

V = U + at

But vertically

Velocity of projection at time to along vertical

V = Vy . U = Vosin∅, a = ay

Vy = Vosin∅- gt

For Vertical Displacement:-

Recall S = Ut + ½ at2

Since , U = V0sin∅ , S = y , a = -g

Y = ( Vosin∅)t – ½ gt2

TRAJECTORY – is the path described by the projectile.

NOTE. The path or trajectory of projectile is a parabola

To show that Trajectory is a parabola

By combining vertical and horizontal displacement

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Recall .vertical displacement

Y = (Vosin∅)t – ½ gt2……………………….i

Also

Horizontal displacement

X = (Vocos∅)t……………………………………..ii

Make t the subject

t = x/V0co∅

Put t in eqn i

Y = (Vosin∅) t( 𝒙
(𝐕𝐨𝐜𝐨𝐬∅)
)- ½ g( (𝐕𝐨𝐜𝐨𝐬
𝒙
∅)
)2

Y= [ (𝐕𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧∅)
(𝐕𝐨𝐜𝐨𝐬∅)
] x – ½ g[ 𝐗𝟐
(𝐕𝐨𝟐 𝐜𝐨𝐬𝟐∅)
] But 𝐬𝐢𝐧∅
𝐜𝐨𝐬∅
= Tan ∅

Y=-½g [ 𝟏
(𝐕𝐨𝟐 𝐜𝐨𝐬𝟐∅)
]X + (Tan ∅)x…………………………………….iii
2

Compare . y = ax2 + bx………………………equation of parabola with the eqn iii

Then the trajectory is a parabola

PARAMETERS OF PROJECTILE MOTION

These are :-

1. Time of flight (T)

2. Maximum height attained (Hmax)
3. Horizontal Range (R)

NOTE. Time of flight and maximum height attained are obtained from the vertical motion. And
Horizontal range is calculated from horizontal motion.

TIME OF FLIGHT(T)

Is the time taken by the projectile to move from the point of projection to the point where returns to
the ground.

- Abviously, it is time for which the projectile remains in air before coming to the original height
(groung).

Recall

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Y = (Vosin∅)t – ½ gt2

When a projectile returns the ground ,its vertical displacement is zero ( y = 0)

Then

0 = (Vosin∅)t – ½ gt2

Also, y = 0, t = T

0 = (Vosin∅)T – ½ gT2

½ gT2 = (Vosin∅)T

gt 2 =∅T

= (𝟐𝐕𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧∅)
T= 𝒈

Note. The time taken by the projectile from starting point O to the highest point B is called time of
ascent.also the time taken by projectile from maximum highest to the level of point O is called
time of descent
∅
Time of ascent = time of descent T/2 = 𝐕𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧
𝒈

MAXIMUM HEIGHT ATTAINED ( HMAX)

Is the maximum vertical distance above the horizontal plane where projectile can possible attain for a
given initial velocity and angle of projection

Note . H max is the position where a projectile ceases to move upwards .

So Vy= 0 , at H max

Recall

Y = (Vosin∅)t – ½ gt2

When y = Hmax , t = T/2

Hmax =( Vosin∅)T/2 – ½ g(T/2)2

𝐕𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧∅ 𝐕𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧∅
Hmax =( Vosin∅)[ 𝒈 ] – ½( )2
𝒈

𝐕𝐨𝟐 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝟐∅
H max = 𝟐𝒈

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HORIZONTAL RANGE(R)

Is the horizontal distance travelled by the projectile before returning to the ground.

Recall

X = (Vocos∅)t

But . when X = R , Then t = T

𝟐𝐕𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧∅
R = = (Vocos∅)(
𝒈
)
𝟐𝐕𝐨𝟐 𝐬𝐢𝐧∅𝐜𝐨𝐬∅
R=
𝒈

𝟐𝐬𝐢𝐧∅𝐜𝐨𝐬∅
R = Vo(= )
𝒈

From trigonometrical ratio. 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝟐∅ = 𝟐𝐬𝐢𝐧∅ 𝐜𝐨𝐬∅

𝐕𝐨𝟐 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝟐∅
R=(
𝒈
)

Note . Horizontal range (R) of a projectile depends upon the projectile angle and initial velocity

Condition for maximum horizontal range

For a given speed V0 the horizontal range will be maximum when sin2∅ = 1. Or ∅ = 450

R max = Vo2/g , When ∅ = 450

Hence , for a given initial speed , Horizontal range will be maximum when angle of projection is 450

450

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RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PARAMETERS OF THE PROJECTILE.

From

(𝟐𝐕𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧∅)
T= ……………………….i
𝒈

𝐕𝐨𝟐 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝟐∅
H max = …………………..ii
𝟐𝒈

𝐕𝐨𝟐 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝟐∅
R=(
𝒈
)………………….iii

Note. We can take any two parameter and establish any relation we need.

RELATION BETWEEN RANGE AND MAXIMUM HEIGHT

FROM

𝐕𝐨𝟐 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝟐∅
R=(
𝒈
)………………………i
𝐕𝐨𝟐 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝟐∅
H max = …………………..ii
𝟐𝒈

Take eqn ii divide by eqn i

𝑯𝒎𝒂𝒙 𝐕𝐨𝟐 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝟐∅ 𝐕𝐨𝟐 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝟐∅

𝑹
= 𝟐𝒈
÷ ( )
𝒈

𝑯𝒎𝒂𝒙 𝐕𝐨𝟐 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝟐∅ 𝒈

= x
𝑹 𝟐𝒈 𝑽𝒐𝟐 𝟐𝒔𝒊𝒏∅𝒄𝒐𝒔∅

𝑯𝒎𝒂𝒙 𝐕𝐨𝟐 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝟐∅ 𝒈

= x
𝑹 𝟐𝒈 𝑽𝒐𝟐 𝟐𝒔𝒊𝒏∅𝒄𝒐𝒔∅

𝑯𝒎𝒂𝒙 𝐬𝐢𝐧∅ 𝟏
𝑹
= 𝟐
X 𝟐𝒄𝒐𝒔∅

𝑯𝒎𝒂𝒙 𝒔𝒊𝒏∅
= 𝟒𝒄𝒐𝒔∅
𝑹

𝑯𝒎𝒂𝒙 𝒔𝒊𝒏∅
= ¼ (𝒄𝒐𝒔∅)
𝑹

𝑯𝒎𝒂𝒙
= ¼ tan∅
𝑹

R = 4Hcot∅

RELATION BETWEEN MAXIMUM RANGE (RMAX) AND MAXIMUM HEIGHT (HMAX)

R max = Vo2/y ………………………i

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 𝐕𝐨𝟐 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝟐∅
H max = …………………..ii
𝟐𝒈

Take eqn ii divide by eqn i

𝑯𝒎𝒂𝒙 𝐕𝐨𝟐 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝟐∅ 𝑽𝒐𝟐

= ÷
𝑹𝒎𝒂𝒙 𝟐𝒈 𝒈

𝑯𝒎𝒂𝒙 𝐕𝐨𝟐 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝟐∅ 𝒈

= x 𝑽𝒐𝟐
𝑹𝒎𝒂𝒙 𝟐𝒈

𝑯𝒎𝒂𝒙 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝟐∅
=
𝑹𝒎𝒂𝒙 𝟐

𝑯𝒎𝒂𝒙
= ½ sin2∅
𝑹𝒎𝒂𝒙

H max = ½ Rmax sin2∅

SPECIAL CASES OF PROJECTILE MOTION

1. Projectile fired at angle with vertical. Normal case as a descried previously

2. Projectile fired horizontally
3. Projectile fired at height h from the ground
4. Two projectile collides and fall downs

PROJECTILE FIRED AT ANGLE WITH VERTICAL

If ∅ is the projection angle suppose 𝜶 is angle projectile forms with vertical.

Horizontal range

𝐕𝐨𝟐 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝟐∅
R=(
𝒈
)

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 𝐕𝐨𝟐 𝟐𝐬𝐢𝐧∅𝐜𝐨𝐬∅
R=(
𝒈
)

But ∅ = 900 – 𝜶
𝐕𝐨𝟐 𝟐𝐬𝐢𝐧 (𝟗𝟎− 𝛂)𝐜𝐨𝐬 (𝟗𝟎− 𝛂
R==(
𝒈
)
𝐕𝐨𝟐 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝟐∅
R=(
𝒈
)

Time of flight
(𝟐𝐕𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧∅)
T=
𝒈

But ∅ = 90 – 𝜶

(𝟐𝐕𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝟗𝟎− ∅)
T= 𝒈

(𝟐𝐕𝐨𝐜𝐨𝐬∅)
T= 𝒈

Maximum height

𝐕𝐨𝟐 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝟐∅
H max = 𝟐𝒈

But ∅ = 90 – 𝜶

𝐕𝐨𝟐 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝟐(𝟗𝟎− 𝛂)
H max = 𝟐𝒈

𝐕𝐨𝟐 𝐜𝐨𝐬 ^𝟐∅

H max = 𝟐𝒈

PROJECTILE FIRED HORIZONTALLY

Note. When the body is fired horizontally there is no angle of projection at all we say ∅ = 0

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Suppose a projectile is fired horizontally with velocity V o at height H above the ground

• Horizontal motion

velocity

Recall

Vx = vocos∅ but ∅ = 00

Vx = Vo

The horizontal velocity remains constant

Horizontal displacement

Recall

X = ( vocos∅)t but ∅ = 0

X = V0t

• Vertical motion

Velocity

Recall

Vy = Vocos∅ - gt but ∅ = 0

Vy = -gt

Vertical displacement

Recall

Y = (Vosin∅)t – ½ gt2 But ∅ = 0

Y = - ½ gt2

Note. Displacement is descending so, y is negative

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-y = - ½ gt2

y =- ½ gt2

• Trajectory of a projectile

Combine vertical and horizontal motion.

X = Vot…………………………i

y = ½ gt2………………………….ii

Then

T = x/Vo

Substitute t in eqn ii

Y = ½ g (x/Vo)2

𝒙𝟐
Y = ½ g 𝑽𝒐𝟐

𝒈𝒙𝟐
Y = 𝟐𝑽𝟎𝟐

𝒈
Y = ( 𝟐𝑽𝒐𝟐 ) x2 It is a parabola

PROJECTILE FIRED AT CERTAIN HEIGHT FROM THE GROUND

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From the equation

Y = (Vosin∅)t – ½ gt2

But y = -H and when y = -H , t = T

-H = (Vosin∅)T– ½ gT2

TWO PROJECTILE COLLIDES

When two bodies projected from different opposite side , they are said to collide when

1. Time I common
2. Vertical displacement is common

Y1 y2

∅1 x d -x ∅𝟐

Assume a projectile is projected at angle of projection ∅1 and another projection is projected in

opposite direction with projection angle ∅2 with horizontal

Then

Y1 = (V1sin∅𝟏)t – ½ gt2

Y2 = (V2sin∅𝟐)t – ½ gt2

If they collide, y1 = y2

(V1sin∅𝟏)t – ½ gt2 = (V 2sin∅𝟐)t – ½ gt2

V1sin∅1 = v 2sin∅𝟐 It is collision formula

Example.

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A football is kicked at an angle of 370 with a velocity of 20ms-1, calculate i) The maximum height . ii)
how far away it it’s the ground ? . iii) Time of flight

Solution

Supporting diagram

20ms-1

370

I) Recall X
𝐕𝐨𝟐 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝟐∅
H max = 𝟐𝒈

𝟐𝟎𝟐 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝟐𝟑𝟕
H max =
𝟐𝟗.𝟖

H max = 7.3m

ii) Time of flight

(𝟐𝐕𝐨𝐜𝐨𝐬∅)
T= 𝒈

(𝟐𝐱𝟐𝟎𝐬𝐢𝐧𝟑𝟕)
T= 𝟗.𝟖

T = 2.455s

iii) How far away

𝐕𝐨𝟐 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝟐∅
R=(
𝒈
)
𝟐𝐬𝐢𝐧𝟑𝟕𝐜𝐨𝐬𝟑𝟕
R =400 (
𝟗.𝟖
)

R = 39.2m
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REVIEW EXERCISE

1. An aero plane travelling horizontally at 78m/s at height of 210m drops a bomb to hit the
target
i)At what horizontal distance from the target should the bomb be dropped?
ii) Calculate the velocity of bomb as its reaches the ground.
2. An object is thrown horizontally with a velocity of 10m/s from the top of a 20m high building
where does the object strikes the ground ?(20m)
3. The horizontal range of a projectile is 4√𝟑 times of its maximum height ,calculate the angle of
projection ( ∅ = 𝟑𝟎0)
4. Two tall building are 200m apart with what speed must a ball be thrown horizontally from the
window of one building 2km above the ground so that it will enter a window 40m from the
ground.( 10m/s)
5. A bomb is dropped an enemy post by an aero plane flying with a horizontal velocity of 60km/h
and at height of 490m, How far the aero plane must be from the enemy post at the time of
dropping the bomb so that it may directly hit the target?(167m). What is the trajectory of the
bomb as seen by an observer on earths and as seen by person sitting in the plane?
6. A grasshopper can jump a maximum horizontal distance of 1m. If it spends what is the speed
of travel along the road?(2.2m/s)
7. From the top of building 45m high a stone is thrown at an angle of 30 0 to the horizontal with
an initial velocity of 20m/s . Find i)time of flight .ii)The distance from the foot of building to
where it strikes the ground.
8. A body is projected with a velocity of 40m/s after 2s it crosses a vertical pole of height 20.4m.
calculate the angle of projection and the horizontal range. (300) ( 141.3m)
9. A boy wants to thrown a letter wrapped over a stone to his friend across the street 40m wide.
The boy’s window is 10m below friends window , Wow should be throw the letter?
10. A body A was projected at 12m/s with angle 400 and collide with body B moving at 10m/s ,
Calculate i) the projection angle of B. ii) Where will they collide . ii) State the assumptions
used.
11. A shell is launched from the top of a hill 90m above the plane ground with a velocity of
150m/sin the direction making an angle 300 to the horizontal . Find
i)The velocity along the x – and y-direction when it half way between the top and ground.
ii)The horizontal distance covered by the moment it lands on the ground.
12. A particle projected from a point meet the horizontal plane through the point of projection
after describing horizontal distance (a) and in the course of its trajectory attains a greatest
height (b) above the point of of projection .Find the horizontal and vertical component of
velocity in terms of a and b, Show that when it has described a horizontal distance x, it has
𝒂−𝒙
attained a height 4bx( 𝒂𝟐 )

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Note. You should find a lot of concept concern about projectile motion and to do a lot of question
from the past papers and other books , You will be good in this topic.

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