# Ballistic X Velocity

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V_x =
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vCalc.Ballistic X Velocity
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The Horizontal Velocity calculator computes the horizontal (x component) velocity based on an initial velocity and a launch angle.

INSTRUCTIONS: Choose units and enter the following:

• (V0) This is the magnitude of the initial velocity
• (Θ) This is the launch angle

Horizontal Velocity (Vx):  The calculator returns the velocity in meters per second.  However this can be automatically converted to compatible units via the pull-down menu.

#### The Math / Science

The Ballistic Velocity (horizontal) equation calculates an object's velocity in the x direction, the horizontal component of its ballistic trajectory.1  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 perpendicular to the x-component of motion, the gravitational acceleration does not affect the ballistic x-velocity.  The x-component of velocity remains constant.  The formula for the horizontal velocity is:

where:

# References

1. ^ Young, Hugh and Freeman, Roger.  University Physics With Modern Physics.  Addison-Wesley, 2008. 12th Edition, (ISBN-13: 978-0321500625 ISBN-10: 0321500628 ) Pg 81, eq 3.22