Projectile Motion Simulator
Launch a projectile and watch its path, range and max height change live.
Drag the end of the cannon barrel to aim and set the power, choose an object, and press Fire. Turn on air resistance to see a pumpkin and a piano fall short. Drag the target and the tape measure.
About the Projectile Motion Simulator
Free interactive projectile motion simulator. Change launch angle, speed, gravity and height, then see the trajectory, range, max height and flight time. Great for physics students. Built for physics, the projectile motion simulator runs instantly in your browser: change a setting or drag an object and the result updates at once, so you learn by trying things out rather than only reading about them.
Launch a projectile and watch its path, range and max height change live. Use it to explore physics ideas at your own pace, then check what you found against the key ideas further down this page.
How to use the Projectile Motion Simulator
- Use the controls to change Object, Angle, Initial speed, Cannon height, Altitude, and more. The simulation reacts instantly.
- Pick an option such as Cannonball, Golf ball, Baseball, Football to switch modes or load an example.
- Press "FIRE!", "Erase shots" to start, reset or change what is happening.
- Where you see a glowing handle, object, weight or atom, drag it with your mouse or finger. Everything responds in real time.
- Watch the readouts and graphs update as you experiment, and compare what you see with the key ideas below.
Things to try
- Fire at 45° and note the range, then try 30° and 60°.
- Add a launch height of 20 m and find the new best angle.
- Switch gravity to the Moon and fire again.
- Use the drag handle on the cannon to aim by hand.
Key ideas you can learn
- Horizontal and vertical motion are independent: gravity only acts vertically.
- On level ground, a 45° launch angle gives the maximum range.
- Range = v² sin(2θ) / g, and maximum height = (v sin θ)² / 2g.
Where this is used in the real world
Engineers use projectile motion to plan everything from sports throws to water fountains, fireworks and artillery. Athletes and coaches use it to find the best launch angle for javelin, basketball and golf.
Who is this simulation for?
Physics students in middle school, high school and first-year university, teachers who want a quick demonstration for the projector, and anyone revising for exams. It works well for flipped classrooms because students can explore before the lesson.
For teachers: project it on the board, let students predict what will happen, then run it together. For students: change one thing at a time and write down what changes.
Frequently asked questions
What launch angle gives the longest range?
On level ground with no air resistance, 45 degrees gives the maximum range. If you launch from a height, the best angle is a little lower than 45 degrees.
Does this simulator include air resistance?
No. It models ideal projectile motion under constant gravity, which is what most introductory physics courses use.
Can I change gravity to the Moon or Mars?
Yes. Use the gravity slider or the presets to compare Earth, the Moon, Mars and Jupiter.
Is the Projectile Motion Simulator free to use?
Yes. It is completely free, with no signup, no download and no ads inside the simulation. It runs in your web browser.
Does the Projectile Motion Simulator work on a phone or tablet?
Yes. It uses touch as well as the mouse, so you can drag objects with your finger. A larger screen makes the controls easier to see.