Can Mathematica help with solving projectile motion equations?

AI Thread Summary
Mathematica can effectively solve simple projectile motion equations, but users may find it quicker to use a handheld calculator for basic calculations. Syntax advice is contingent on the specific equations or functions desired. For defining a function, use x[t_] := a t^2 + v0 t + x0, while for an equation, x == a t^2 + v0 t + x0 is appropriate. The online help resources for Mathematica are highly recommended for guidance. A detailed example of projectile motion using Mathematica can be found on the Wolfram blog.
tempneff
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I am hoping to use Mathematica to solve simple projectile motion equations. Can anyone offer some tips in regard to the syntax, or maybe a reference guide/site?
 
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Why? If the projectile motion questions are actually simple it will probably take you more time to put it into Mathematica than to use a handheld calculator.

What exactly did you have in mind? It's hard to offer syntax advice when you don't fully explain what you want to do.
 
tempneff said:
I am hoping to use Mathematica to solve simple projectile motion equations. Can anyone offer some tips in regard to the syntax, or maybe a reference guide/site?
Try the online help, it is quite good and is what I use.

x[t_]:=a t^2 + v0 t + x0

or

x==a t^2 + v0 t + x0

depending on if you want an equation or a function.
 
There is a detailed example of projectile motion using Mathematica at
http://blog.wolfram.com/2010/09/27/do-computers-dumb-down-math-education/"
 
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