Separate the components
Compare objects released from the same height and test what determines flight time.
AP Physics 1 · Unit 1 · Kinematics
Projectile Motion
Compare drops and launches, build a launch vector, and use horizontal and vertical motion together to predict a landing.
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- Self-paced
Start guided lesson
Learn by doing
Three ideas you’ll put into motion
Read the flight
Use velocity components and motion graphs to explain the apex and the landing.
Aim for a target
Choose launch components and test a landing prediction in the simulation.
The big idea
The key ideas, at a glance.
One flight, one clock
Ignoring air resistance, horizontal velocity stays constant while vertical velocity changes under gravity. Both components share the same elapsed time.
The apex still has motion
At the highest point, vy = 0. Horizontal velocity can remain nonzero, and acceleration is still downward.
A quick comparison
Double horizontal speed while keeping height and initial vertical velocity fixed.
Flight time unchangedHorizontal range doubles
Teaching this topic?Classroom fit, AP connections, and support
- Classroom fit
- Use for a concept introduction, guided independent practice, or a projected class discussion.
- Before students begin
- Velocity components and constant-acceleration equations. Use a consistent vertical sign convention.
- Built-in support
- Prepared scenes, guided prompts, and feedback on lesson questions.
- AP Physics 1 connections
- Unit 1: two-dimensional kinematics and translating motion between representations.
- Check for understanding
- Ask students to identify the velocity and acceleration directions at the apex.
- Optional extension
- Try the separate Projectile Target Challenge.
Ready to test your thinking?
The first scene is set up. Start the lesson and explore.