1. What is Time of Flight?

Time of flight refers to the total time a projectile spends in the air from launch to landing. It is a fundamental concept in projectile motion physics that helps determine how long an object will remain airborne under the influence of gravity.

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 (radians)
• \( g \) — Acceleration due to gravity (m/s²)

Explanation: The equation calculates the total time a projectile remains in the air based on its initial velocity, launch angle, and gravitational acceleration. The sine function accounts for the vertical component of the initial velocity.

3. Importance of Time of Flight Calculation

Details: Time of flight calculations are essential in various fields including ballistics, sports science, engineering, and space exploration. They help predict projectile trajectories, optimize launch parameters, and understand motion dynamics.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is the angle converted from degrees to radians?
A: Trigonometric functions in mathematical calculations typically use radians. The calculator automatically converts degrees to radians for accurate computation.

Q2: What is the maximum time of flight for a given velocity?
A: Maximum time of flight occurs at a 90-degree launch angle (straight up), where all initial velocity contributes to vertical motion.

Q3: Does this equation account for air resistance?
A: No, this is the ideal time of flight equation that assumes no air resistance. Real-world calculations may require additional factors for accuracy.

Q4: Can I use this for different planets?
A: Yes, simply change the gravity value to match the gravitational acceleration of the celestial body (e.g., Moon: 1.62 m/s², Mars: 3.71 m/s²).

Q5: What happens at 0-degree launch angle?
A: At 0 degrees (horizontal launch), the time of flight becomes zero according to this simplified equation, but in reality, objects still fall due to gravity.