Projectile Motion Model
Explore Intro Page as an interactive EJS simulation for mechanics.
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1. Watch or Launch
Launch the Interactive
Open the simulation, adjust the controls, and compare what changes on screen before answering the concept-check questions.
2. Big Ideas
What Students Can Learn
- Separate horizontal and vertical components of velocity.
- Recognise vertical acceleration due to gravity.
- Use trajectory shape as evidence of changing vertical velocity.
- Connect launch speed and angle to range and time of flight.
Guiding Question
Which parts of the projectile's motion are horizontal, which are vertical, and how does gravity change the path?
3. Try the Investigation
Predict the Path
Before launching, predict how changing angle or speed will affect range and height.
Separate Components
Identify what changes in the horizontal direction and what changes in the vertical direction.
Compare Two Launches
Change one launch variable and compare trajectory, time of flight, or range.
Explain with Gravity
Use downward acceleration to explain why the vertical velocity changes during flight.
4. Teacher Notes
Lesson Use
Use this to teach component reasoning. Keep asking students to explain horizontal and vertical motion separately before discussing the full curved trajectory.
Discussion Prompts
Ask: Why does the path curve? What stays constant horizontally if air resistance is ignored? How does launch angle affect range?
Teaching Moves
Pair a trajectory sketch with component arrows at three positions: launch, top, and landing.
5. Concept Check
These questions are generated from the topic and the concept illustrated by the simulation. Use them after students have explored the model.
Concept Score
Correct first attempts build a streak and unlock higher point multipliers on this device.
1. In ideal projectile motion, what causes the vertical velocity to change?
2. Why can horizontal and vertical motion be considered separately?
3. At the top of a projectile path, what is usually true of vertical velocity?
4. What changes when launch speed increases, all else equal?
5. What is strong evidence from the model?
Expert Challenge
Unlocks after 3 correct concept-check answers on this page.
1. At the highest point of an ideal projectile path, which statement is most precise?
2. Why can horizontal and vertical projectile motion be analysed separately?
3. A student says the projectile needs a forward force throughout flight because it keeps moving forward. What is the best feedback?
4. Two projectiles are launched at the same speed, one at 30 degrees and one at 60 degrees. What should students compare?
5. What is the best evidence that air resistance is affecting a projectile model?
7. Learning Pulse
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