How this calculator works
At the top of an upward flight, the vertical velocity becomes zero while horizontal velocity continues. The vertical launch component sets the extra rise above the starting height. If the initial vertical velocity is zero or negative, the launch point is already the highest position in the model. Inverse calculations require a positive rise to avoid an underdetermined answer.
Formula
vy = v sin(alpha); rise = max(vy,0)^2/(2g); H = h0 + rise; t_peak = max(vy,0)/g.
Worked example
A 10 m/s launch with vertical component 6 m/s at g = 10 m/s2 rises 1.8 m. From an initial height of 2 m it reaches 3.8 m above the landing plane.
Advertisement
Frequently asked questions
Is maximum height measured from launch?
The maximum-height output is measured from the landing plane. The separate rise output is measured from launch.
Does the object stop at maximum height?
Its vertical velocity becomes zero, but a nonzero horizontal velocity remains.
What happens with a downward launch?
The launch point is the maximum height reached during the subsequent flight.