In projectile motion, the laws of physics, particularly Newton's 2nd law and the effects of gravity, are crucial for understanding motion at a 45-degree angle. The vertical motion experiences downward acceleration while horizontal motion maintains a constant speed. To analyze projectile motion effectively, a specific problem must be defined, such as determining which launch angle achieves the maximum horizontal distance. The discussion emphasizes the importance of establishing clear objectives for measuring projectile motion at various angles. Ultimately, the goal is to identify the angle that maximizes a projectile's range.