9.2: Introduction
- Page ID
- 29163
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An object that is launched outward from a height above the ground will follow a curved path. The curved path of a projectile is a combination of the horizontal motion it is given and the effect of gravity on the object. A projectile launched horizontally, parallel to the ground, is dropping at the same time as it is traveling horizontally, and the result is a curved path.

The ball will travel a distance in the horizontal (x) plane while it is dropping in the vertical (y) plane.
Horizontal Motion:
\[x = vt \nonumber \]
Vertical Motion:
\[t = \sqrt{\dfrac{2y}{g}} \nonumber \]