Mastering 2D Motion: The Surprising Physics of Projectile Motion

Welcome back, physics enthusiasts! Today, we're diving into the fascinating world of two-dimensional motion, also known as projectile motion or ballistics. If you've ever wondered how a skateboarder can perform a kick flip on a moving truck or why a tennis ball curves in unexpected ways, you're in for a treat. Let's get started.

Bullet Ballet: The Quest to Reproduce a Civil War Bullet Collision

In the annals of military history, a curious event is preserved in the American Museum of Natural History: two Civil War bullets, perfectly aligned, that met nose to nose. This seemingly impossible occurrence has intrigued Destin Sandlin, creator of the popular YouTube channel "Smarter Every Day." Sandlin's quest to understand and replicate this phenomenon led him on a journey through ballistics, probability, and engineering.