Times of flight for projectiles

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter ThomasMagnus
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Flight Projectiles
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The time of flight for a projectile is identical for both the x and y axes when it reaches the ground. This conclusion is supported by the equations of motion, specifically Vx = Dx/t for horizontal motion and Dy = (Voy)(t) + 1/2at^2 for vertical motion. The consistency in flight time across both axes is a fundamental principle of projectile motion, ensuring that if a projectile hits a fixed point, the time taken to travel in both directions is the same.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, particularly projectile motion.
  • Familiarity with kinematic equations, including Vx = Dx/t and Dy = (Voy)(t) + 1/2at^2.
  • Knowledge of vector components in motion analysis.
  • Basic algebra skills for manipulating equations.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of projectile motion in detail, focusing on the independence of horizontal and vertical motions.
  • Explore advanced kinematic equations and their applications in real-world scenarios.
  • Learn about the effects of air resistance on projectile flight and how it alters time of flight.
  • Investigate the use of simulation tools for visualizing projectile motion and analyzing flight paths.
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators teaching projectile motion, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of objects in motion.

ThomasMagnus
Messages
138
Reaction score
0
Is the time it takes for a projectile to hit the ground the same for the x and y axis' ?

For example, if you are given the range of a projectile or told that it will hit a fixed point, will it have the same time of travel for x and y?

If you know that it hits a fixed Point or are given the range, I assume that all of these formulas will correctly solve for t and that it will be the same.

Vx=Dx/t

Dy=(Voy)(t) + 1/2at^2

Vfy= Voy + at

Is this correct?


Thanks
 
Science news on Phys.org
Yes, the flight time in both X and Y directions will be the same.

If it wasn't, it would imply it continued flying in one direction once the other had hit the ground - so the X has impacted the ground but the Y is still in the air. Silly isn't it.
 
Thanks!
 

Similar threads

Find Projectile Flight Time Given Only Maximum Height
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Find the height of a lamp based on the velocities of projectiles
  • · Replies 40 ·
2
Replies
40
Views
3K
Projectile motion with (constant) wind velocity
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
Graduate Precession of an air rifle pellet in flight
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
Undergrad Projectile Intercept Math & Trigonometry
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Make 2 launchers that shoot a straw with clay at the end
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Needing some help about time of flight of a launched ball/horiz range
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Undergrad How to Solve Projectile Motion Problems in One or Two Lines
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Uniform Circular Motion and Projectile Motion Help
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
Is my formulae correct for time of flight in this projectile problem?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K