# Ballistic X Position

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vCalc.Ballistic X Position
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The Horizontal Position calculator computes the horizontal (x component) position based on an initial velocity, launch angle, and time.

INSTRUCTIONS: Choose units and enter the following:

• (V0) This is the magnitude of the initial velocity
• (Θ) This is the launch angle
• (t) This is the time into the ballistic flight.

Horizontal Position (x):  The calculator returns the relative position in meters.  However this can be automatically converted to compatible units via the pull-down menu.

#### The Math / Science

The Ballistic Horizontal Position equation  calculates an object's position in the x direction, the horizontal component of its ballistic trajectory.  This is the equation for the ideal projectile, which means it neglects external forces such as air resistance. Since in the ideal projectile motion model the force of gravity is the only force component affecting the trajectory, and the force of gravity is parallel to the y-component of motion, the gravitational acceleration  has no affect the ballistic x-velocity.  The x-component of position changes based on the time and the horizontal velocity.  The formula for the horizontal position is:

x = cos(Θ)•V•t

where:

• x is the horizontal position
• V0 is the initial velocity
• θ is the launch angle
• t is the time into the flight