Projectile Motion

Projectile motion is a combination of two independent motions: uniform horizontal motion and uniformly accelerated vertical motion (under gravity).

The horizontal component of velocity (uₓ = u cos θ) remains constant throughout the flight (no air resistance).

The vertical component of velocity (uᵧ = u sin θ) changes due to gravitational acceleration g = 9.8 m/s².

At the highest point, the vertical velocity is zero, but horizontal velocity persists — the object is NOT at rest.

The trajectory of a projectile is a parabola described by: y = x tan θ − (gx²)/(2u²cos²θ).

Time of flight, maximum height, and range depend only on initial speed and launch angle (in vacuum).

The motion is symmetric about the highest point — time of ascent equals time of descent.

Projectile motion analysis is a cornerstone of JEE Mechanics and connects to relative motion, energy, and circular motion concepts.