Range

Definition

Range is the horizontal distance a projectile travels before landing. It depends on the initial velocity, launch angle, and acceleration due to gravity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The range of a projectile is maximized at a launch angle of 45 degrees in the absence of air resistance.
2. The formula for range is $R = \frac{v_0^2 \sin(2\theta)}{g}$ where $v_0$ is the initial velocity, $\theta$ is the launch angle, and $g$ is the acceleration due to gravity.
3. The range does not depend on the mass of the projectile.
4. Air resistance can significantly reduce the range of a projectile.
5. For complementary angles that add up to 90 degrees (e.g., 30 degrees and 60 degrees), projectiles will have the same range if launched with the same initial speed.

Review Questions

• What launch angle maximizes the range of a projectile?
• How does air resistance affect the range of a projectile?
• Write down and explain the formula for calculating range in projectile motion.

Related terms

Initial Velocity: The speed at which an object is launched. It has both magnitude and direction.

Launch Angle: The angle at which an object is projected with respect to the horizontal axis.

Acceleration Due To Gravity: $9.8 \, m/s^2$ on Earth; it affects how quickly a projectile descends.