K.LAB / INTERACTIVE LAB
Launch it and see how far it flies.
Adjust launch speed, angle, and gravity. Turn on air resistance to compare an ideal model with a more realistic trajectory.
Projectile trajectory comparisonVacuumWith air resistance
Set the parameters and launch
Initial velocity components: 30 m/s
Launch settings
Change a variable
Compare models
Same launch, two models
| Model | Range (m) | Maximum height (m) | Flight time (s) | Impact speed (m/s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vacuum | 91.7 | 22.9 | 4.3 | 30.0 |
| With air resistance | 72.0 | 20.0 | 4.0 | 24.0 |
Equations of motion
R = v₀² sin(2θ) / g
In a vacuum, horizontal velocity stays constant while gravity accelerates the vertical motion. Air drag acts opposite to the direction of travel, changing range, peak height, and flight time.
Wind and spin are ignored. Air resistance follows a quadratic-drag model.