Projectiles summary

Key learning points

• $u_x=u\cos\theta$, $u_y=u\sin\theta$.
• Horizontal: $x=(u\cos\theta)t$; vertical uses SUVAT with $a=-g$.
• Standard targets: time of flight, range, greatest height.
• Eliminate $t$ for a Cartesian trajectory equation.

Worked example 1 — Time to top

Launch $20\,\mathrm{m\,s^{-1}}$ at $30^\circ$; $g=10$. Time to highest point?

Working

$u_y=10$, set $v_y=0$.

Worked example 2 — ,

Use this method from the Projectiles sheet: $u_x=u\cos\theta$, $u_y=u\sin\theta$.

Working

Each key learning point matches a question type on the printable worksheet.

Worked example 3 — Horizontal: ; vertical uses SUVAT with

Use this method from the Projectiles sheet: Horizontal: $x=(u\cos\theta)t$; vertical uses SUVAT with $a=-g$.

Working

Each key learning point matches a question type on the printable worksheet.

Worked example 4 — Standard targets: time of flight, range, greatest heigh

Use this method from the Projectiles sheet: Standard targets: time of flight, range, greatest height.

Working

Each key learning point matches a question type on the printable worksheet.

Worked example 5 — Eliminate for a Cartesian trajectory equation

Use this method from the Projectiles sheet: Eliminate $t$ for a Cartesian trajectory equation.

Working

Each key learning point matches a question type on the printable worksheet.

Scaffolded Learning Sheet and answers (PDFs)

This page is a short, searchable overview for revision and search engines. Use the Scaffolded Learning Sheet first, then the Answers PDF for a full written solution. The printable PDFs remain the main classroom resource.