Projectile Peak Height
Gives the maximum height reached by a projectile above its launch point
The equation
What it solves
Gives the maximum height reached by a projectile above its launch point. At the peak, the vertical velocity component is zero; only v_x remains.
When to use it
Level-ground projectile launch with constant g and no drag. Also valid for off-level launches if H is measured from the launch height, not the ground.
When NOT to use it
Does not apply when the object is launched from an elevated platform and lands below — the geometric peak may still be the same, but measuring from a reference other than launch height requires care. Drag lowers the peak.
Common mistakes
Using v_0 (total speed) instead of v_0·sin θ (vertical component). Forgetting to square the entire vertical component before dividing by 2g. Mixing up H (height above launch) with the height above ground when the launch is elevated.