Explore the Projectile Data Lab: Air Resistance & Target
Fire golf balls, pumpkins and pianos with and without air resistance and collect a table of ranges. Free, no signup, runs in your browser.
- Free to use
- No signup
- Nothing to install
- Runs in your browser
Illustration. Open the tool for the real thing.
See it in action
The Projectile Data Lab: Air Resistance & Target with sample data entered and the result showing.
What is the Projectile Data Lab: Air Resistance & Target?
Fire golf balls, pumpkins and pianos with and without air resistance and collect a table of ranges. It runs in your browser, so a change to a setting or a drag on an object shows up at once.
Sports, ballistics and space launch all need models with and without air resistance.
3 steps to your result
Open the tool and follow along. Nothing to install.
What you get
Without air, mass does not change the path.
With air resistance, light objects lose more range.
Maximum range in a vacuum is at 45°.
Fire a golf ball and a piano with air on.
Hit the target.
Compare vacuum and air shots.
Used for
Pick one to see how it fits.
Physics learners
Physics students in middle school, high school and first-year university, teachers who want a quick demonstration for the projector, and anyone revising for exams.
Try it freeTeachers
For teachers: project the Projectile Data Lab: Air Resistance & Target Practice on the board, let students predict the result, then run it together and test this: Hit the target. For students: change one thing at a time and write down what changes.
Try it freeHow it compares
A plain look at this tool next to the usual alternative.
| This simulation | Textbook diagram | |
|---|---|---|
| Interactive | Drag, tap and change settings | Fixed picture |
| Install | Nothing to install | Not needed |
| Cost | Free to use | Depends on the book |
Questions people ask
Does mass affect projectile motion?
Only when there is air resistance. In a vacuum all objects follow the same path.
What launch angle gives maximum range?
45° in a vacuum, a little less with air resistance.
Is the Projectile Data Lab: Air Resistance & Target Practice free to use?
Yes. The Projectile Data Lab: Air Resistance & Target Practice is free, needs no signup or download and runs in your web browser. It is part of the Physics group of AZRS simulations.
Does the Projectile Data Lab: Air Resistance & Target Practice work on a phone or tablet?
Yes. The Projectile Data Lab: Air Resistance & Target Practice takes touch input as well as mouse input, so you can use its 4 adjustable settings with a finger. A larger screen makes the controls and graphs easier to read.
How do I use the Projectile Data Lab: Air Resistance & Target?
1. In the Projectile Data Lab: Air Resistance & Target Practice, use the controls to change Object, Air resistance, Angle, Launch speed. The simulation reacts instantly. 2. In the Projectile Data Lab: Air Resistance & Target Practice, pick an option such as Golf ball, Baseball, Cannonball, Pumpkin to switch modes or load an example. 3. In the Projectile Data Lab: Air Resistance & Target Practice, press "Fire!", "Clear" to start, reset or change what is happening. 4. Start with this experiment: Fire a golf ball and a piano with air on. Drag any glowing handle, object or slider with your mouse or finger and the Projectile Data Lab: Air Resistance & Target Practice responds in real time. 5. Change one setting at a time and watch which readout moves, then compare it with this idea: Without air, mass does not change the path.
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Try the Projectile Data Lab: Air Resistance & Target now
Fire golf balls, pumpkins and pianos with and without air resistance and collect a table. Free to use.
Try it free