Introduction
 

Projectile motion occurs when an object moves under the influence of gravity alone after being launched. By treating the horizontal and vertical components of motion independently, students can predict the path, range and flight time of projectiles. Free fall is a special case of projectile motion in which gravity is the only force acting on an object.
 

In this topic, students learn how to analyse projectile motion using the equations of constant acceleration, resolve velocity into horizontal and vertical components, and apply these principles to a wide range of examination problems.
 

AQA A Level Physics Specification: 3.2.3.3 Projectile Motion
 

What You Need to Know
 

• Understand that horizontal and vertical motion are independent of one another.

• Resolve an initial velocity into horizontal and vertical components.

• Apply the equations of constant acceleration to vertical motion.

• Understand that horizontal velocity remains constant when air resistance is negligible.

• Calculate the time of flight of a projectile.

• Calculate the horizontal range of a projectile.

• Determine the maximum height reached by a projectile.

• Analyse the motion of objects in free fall.

• Understand that all objects accelerate at approximately 9.81 m s⁻² in free fall when air resistance is negligible.

• Solve examination questions involving projectiles launched horizontally and at an angle.
   

Downloadable Topic Pack
 

Projectile Motion & Free Fall Topic Pack Exam Questions and Answers
 

Related Topics
 

• Motion with Constant Acceleration Along a Straight Line

• Scalars, Vectors and Resultant Forces

• Newton's Laws of Motion

• Circular Motion

• Conservation of Energy