`y = 1/2 a_y(x/v_x)^2`

The Vertical Distance equation, `y= 1/2*a_y* (x/v_x)^2`, calculates the vertical distance traveled (y) as a function of the y-axis acceleration, distance travelled in the x direction and the average velocity in the x direction.

INSTRUCTIONS: Choose your preferred units and enter the following:

• a_y - acceleration in the y axis
• x - distance traveled in the x direction
• v_x - average velocity in the x direction.

The calculator computes the vertical distance (v_y) in meters.  However, this can be automatically converted to other distance units via the pull-down menu.

The Math

The most common form of this equation is y = 1/2 a t2.  In this form, t is computed by the dividing the x distance by the x velocity.

Reference

• Light and Matter(Dr. Benjamin Crowell) Chapter 6.2 Coordinates and components