Hitting a Home Run: How to Solve Projectile Motion Problems

Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel

This educational video provides a comprehensive introduction to projectile motion in physics, using the engaging real-world example of hitting a home run in baseball. The lesson breaks down two-dimensional motion into a structured, five-step problem-solving process that makes complex kinematics accessible to high school students. It covers essential concepts such as splitting initial velocity into horizontal and vertical components using trigonometry, identifying the correct kinematic equations for each dimension, and understanding the role of gravity as the sole acting force. Key themes include the independence of horizontal and vertical motion, the use of time as the connecting variable between dimensions, and practical mathematical strategies like avoiding round-off errors. The video explicitly addresses the simplification of ignoring air resistance to focus on gravity's influence. Through the central problem—calculating whether a baseball hit at a specific angle and speed will clear a distant fence—students learn to apply abstract formulas to concrete scenarios. For educators, this video serves as an excellent instructional core for a unit on 2D kinematics. It models a clear, repeatable workflow for solving physics problems that students can adopt. The step-by-step derivation of the solution allows teachers to pause for guided practice, while the discussion on calculator settings (degree mode) and significant figures reinforces good scientific habits. The concluding true/false review provides a quick formative assessment tool.