Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
In physics, range refers to the horizontal distance covered by a projectile during its entire flight before hitting the ground. It depends on both initial velocity and launch angle.
Related terms
Maximum Range: The greatest horizontal distance a projectile can achieve when launched at an optimal angle of projection.
Minimum Range: The shortest horizontal distance a projectile can travel before hitting the ground, usually achieved with a launch angle close to 0 degrees or 90 degrees.
Projectile Motion Equation: A mathematical equation that relates range, initial velocity, and launch angle to calculate how far a projectile will travel horizontally.