Physics — Motion in a Plane

Motion in a Plane

Projectile motion, components, and independence of horizontal and vertical.

Two Motions, One Ball

See how a projectile combines a constant horizontal motion and an accelerating vertical motion into a single curved path.

Second by Second

See how a projectile moves second by second, with equal horizontal steps and vertical steps that follow Galileo's odd-number pattern.

Time, Height, and Range

Discover how vertical and horizontal launch velocities each control different aspects of a projectile's time, height, and range.

Range and Angle

See how the range of a projectile depends on its launch angle, reaching a maximum at 45 degrees, with complementary angles giving the same range.

River Crossing

See how a boat's path across a flowing river is the sum of its own velocity and the current, and how aiming upstream lets it land directly opposite.

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