About this lab

Launch a ball at any angle, speed and height, on Earth, the Moon or Mars. Compare shots, and switch on air drag to see how much range it costs.

Ideas covered: projectile motion, range, time of flight, components, air drag.

Common questions

What launch angle gives the maximum range?

From level ground with no air resistance, 45° gives the longest range. Launching from a height, or with air drag, the best angle is lower than 45°.

Why do two different angles give the same range?

Complementary angles (such as 30° and 60°) give equal range with no drag, because range depends on sin(2θ), which is the same for both.