SACE Stage 2 Physics — Motion 1.1

Effect of Air Resistance

Compare how air resistance changes range, maximum height and time of flight. Select a projectile preset or adjust the drag coefficient to explore the effect.

Launch mode

Display

Launch angle °

Launch speed m/s

Projectile preset

Drag coeff. β m⁻¹

Stats overlay

Key idea

Air resistance (drag) opposes motion and acts along the velocity vector, reducing both horizontal and vertical speed. The drag coefficient β = C_dAρ/2m captures how strongly a projectile is affected relative to its mass. A heavy shot put barely notices the air; a shuttlecock is dominated by it.