Projectile motion refers to the movement of an object in a curved path under the influence of gravity. It occurs when an object is given an initial velocity and then allowed to freely move under the force of gravity.
The main difference between projectile motion and regular motion is the presence of an external force acting upon the object. In regular motion, the object is typically moving in a straight line at a constant speed. In projectile motion, the object is moving in a curved path due to the force of gravity.
The trajectory of a projectile is affected by its initial velocity, the angle at which it is launched, and the force of gravity. Other factors such as air resistance and wind can also have an impact on the trajectory.
The range of a projectile is the horizontal distance it travels before hitting the ground. It can be calculated using the formula R = V02 * sin(2θ) / g, where R is the range, V0 is the initial velocity, θ is the launch angle, and g is the acceleration due to gravity.
The launch angle has a significant impact on the range of a projectile. The range will be at its maximum when the launch angle is 45 degrees, as this gives the projectile an equal amount of horizontal and vertical velocity. Launching at angles higher or lower than 45 degrees will result in a shorter range.