Physics, visually · Motion & Forces · Concept 04
Projectile Motion
Why does a cricket ball curve through the air, and why would the same throw go six times farther on the Moon?
A thrown ball moves sideways at a steady speed while gravity pulls it down. Two simple motions, added together.
- Fix speed at 20 m/s on Earth. Try 30°, 45°, 60°. Which angle goes farthest? Now try 30° vs 60°: same range!
- Switch to Moon and launch at the same speed and angle. Compare range and time in the air.
- Switch on Show ghosts: the faint balls show the sideways steady motion and the falling motion separately.
Sideways is steady, down is speeding up. Never mix them.
Split every throw into two: horizontal (no force, so constant speed) and vertical (gravity, so v changes by g every second). 45° gives the longest range; angles that add to 90° give equal range.
Pick-and-place and sorting chutes
Parts thrown or released from a diverter follow a parabola. Chute length and angle decide where the part lands.
Water jets and nozzles
Washing and cooling nozzles spray in arcs. Raise the pressure (speed) and the jet reaches farther.
Sports and ballistics
Cricket, javelin, football: the same two equations, plus a little air drag.