SOLVING HORIZONTALLY-

LAUNCHED PROJECTILE
PROBLEM
What is horizontally-launched projectile?
Horizontally –launched projectiles are objects projected in a
horizontal direction from an elevated position.

• The initial vertical velocity of a

horizontally-launched direction from an
elevated position. Voy =0m/s
• Projectiles have a constant horizontal
velocity. ax=0 m/s/s
• Projectiles accelerate vertically at 9.8
m/s/s . ay= -9.8 m/s/s
 Problem-Solving Strategy
Projectile problems must be solved using two sets Strategy:
of kinematic equations. Horizontal and vertical 1. Read the problem carefully.
motion parameters must be kept separate from Diagram it.
one another. 2. ID known values; relate to
corresponding symbol.
Horizontal: dx=Vox.t 3. ID the unknown value; use the
variable symbol.
Vertical: Vfy= Voy-at dy=Voy.t – at2/2 4. Select the appropriate equation to
use.
5. Substitute known values; solve
dy= (Voy +Vfy) t Vfy2= Voy2 -2ady
for unknown.
2
 X-T Table and Problem – Solving Strategy
An “X-Y Table” is a useful means of organizing the given information in a
projectile problem. It helps keep x and y variable values separate.

Sample Problem: A ball is thrown

horizontally at 12.8 m/s from the top of
a 17.9 m high cliff. How far from the
base of the cliff does it land?

Typically, you will look for 3 values in

one column and use those values to find
the time. Then you will use the time with
info from the other column to solve for the
unknown.
 Example 1
A ball rolls off a 1.42 m high table with a speed of 2.63 m/s. How far
from the base of the table will it land?
Horizontal: dx=Vox.t

Vertical: Vfy= Voy-at dy=Voy.t – at2/2

dy= (Voy +Vfy) Vfy2= Voy2 -2ady

2
 Example 2
A student throws a book horizontally out a dorm window with a speed of 12.5
m/s. The book lands on the ground 31.8 m from the base of the building. How
high is the window about the ground.
Horizontal: dx=Vox.t

Vertical: Vfy= Voy-at dy=Voy.t – at2/2

dy= (Voy +Vfy) Vfy2= Voy2 -2ady

2
 Example 3
A stone is thrown from the top of a 52.5 m high vertical cliff and lands in the
water below at location 43.8 m from the bottom of the cliff. Determine the
velocity with which the stone is thrown.
Horizontal: dx=Vox.t

Vertical: Vfy= Voy-at dy=Voy.t – at2/2

dy= (Voy +Vfy) Vfy2= Voy2 -2ady

2
SOLVING ANGLED-LAUNCHED
PROJECTILE PROBLEMS
 What is an angled-launched projectile?
Angle– launched projectiles are objects projected at an
angle to the horizontal. Their motion begins with an x-
and y- velocity component.

• Projectiles have no horizontal acceleration and a

vertical acceleration of 9.8 m/s/s .
ax= 0m/s/s ay= -9.8 m/s/s
• At the highest point (the “peak”), the vertical
velocity is 0 m/s.
Vy-peak = 0 m/s
• Projectiles have the same Vx and Vy values when at
the same height.
 What is an angled-launched projectile?
Angle– launched projectiles are objects projected at an
angle to the horizontal. Their motion begins with an x-
and y- velocity component.

• Projectiles have no horizontal acceleration and a

vertical acceleration of 9.8 m/s/s .
ax= 0m/s/s ay= -9.8 m/s/s
• At the highest point (the “peak”), the vertical
velocity is 0 m/s.
Vy-peak = 0 m/s
• Projectiles have the same Vx and Vy values when at
the same height.
 What is an angled-launched projectile?
Angle– launched projectiles are objects projected at an
angle to the horizontal. Their motion begins with an x-
and y- velocity component.

• Projectiles have no horizontal acceleration and a

vertical acceleration of 9.8 m/s/s .
ax= 0m/s/s ay= -9.8 m/s/s
• At the highest point (the “peak”), the vertical
velocity is 0 m/s.
Vy-peak = 0 m/s
• Projectiles have the same Vx and Vy values when at
the same height.
 Problem-Solving Strategy
Projectile problems must be solved using two sets Strategy:
of kinematic equations. Horizontal and vertical 1. Read the problem carefully.
motion parameters must be kept separate from Diagram it.
one another. 2. ID known values; relate to
corresponding symbol.
Horizontal: dx=Vox.t 3. ID the unknown value; use the
variable symbol.
Vertical: Vfy= Voy-at dy=Voy.t – at2/2 4. Select the appropriate equation to
use.
5. Substitute known values; solve
dy= (Voy +Vfy) t Vfy2= Voy2 -2ady
for unknown.
2
 Original Velocity Components
Projectile problems often state the original
velocity (Vo) and the angle ( Begin by
solving Vo into x and y components (Vox
and Voy).
 Example 1
A projectile is launched at 32.1 m/s and 52.6o above
the horizontal. Determine the time in the air, the
horizontal displacement, and the peak height.

Horizontal: dx=Vox.t

Vertical: Vfy= Voy-at dy=Voy.t – at2/2

dy= (Voy +Vfy) Vfy2= Voy2 -2ady

2
SUMMARY
SUMMARY
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SUMMARY
 Example 2
A projectile is launched at 28.1 m/s and 64.8 o above the
horizontal. Determine the time in the air, the horizontal
displacement, and the peak height.

Horizontal: dx=Vox.t

Vertical: Vfy= Voy-at dy=Voy.t – at2/2

dy= (Voy +Vfy) Vfy2= Voy2 -2ady

2