1. What is Time of Flight?

Time of flight refers to the total duration a projectile remains in the air from launch to landing. This fundamental concept in projectile motion describes how long an object travels under the influence of gravity alone after being projected into the air.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the time of flight equation:

Where:

• \( t \) — Time of flight (seconds)
• \( v \) — Initial velocity (m/s)
• \( \theta \) — Launch angle (degrees)
• \( g \) — Acceleration due to gravity (m/s²)

Explanation: The equation calculates the total time a projectile spends in the air, considering both upward and downward motion under constant gravitational acceleration.

3. Importance of Time of Flight Calculation

Details: Time of flight calculations are essential in various fields including sports science, ballistics, aerospace engineering, and physics education. Understanding flight duration helps predict projectile range, optimize launch parameters, and analyze motion characteristics.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter initial velocity in m/s, launch angle in degrees (0-90°), and gravitational acceleration (default is Earth's gravity 9.81 m/s²). All values must be positive, with angle between 0 and 90 degrees.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why does the angle affect time of flight?
A: The vertical component of velocity (v sinθ) determines how high and long the projectile rises. Larger angles (up to 90°) increase vertical velocity, extending flight time.

Q2: What is the maximum time of flight for given velocity?
A: Maximum time occurs at 90° launch angle, where all initial velocity is vertical: t_max = 2v/g.

Q3: Does air resistance affect the calculation?
A: Yes, this equation assumes ideal conditions without air resistance. Real-world applications may require adjustments for drag.

Q4: Can this be used for different planets?
A: Yes, simply adjust the gravity value (g) for different celestial bodies (Moon: 1.62 m/s², Mars: 3.71 m/s²).

Q5: What happens at 0° launch angle?
A: At 0°, time of flight is zero as the projectile travels horizontally without vertical component (in ideal mathematical model).