Projectile Motion

[Bob Steele]

Originally Posted by MechEng83

When launching from a height above zero, an angle less than 45 degrees gives the furthest horizontal distance. )

Not true
It gives you a greater horizonatal VELOOCITY

Horizontal Distance travelled is a combination of the horizontal velocity and the time it is applied.

The time that is applied is a function of how high the ball travels ...


You have to always consider BOTH the x and the y components of the velocity in order to determine the horizontal distance travelled.

In fact the maximum horizontal range is at 45 degrees.

In this problem (excluding air resistance) you have to solve for the height you need at the distance you want to shoot from. The solution to shooting has infinite combinations of velocity and angle and distance to the goal that are solutions.

Of course there are some velocities and angles and distances that would not provide a solution. IE launching in the opposite direction, launching straight up, Launching with a velocity of 0 feet per second...etc etc