Arrow Speed Formula:
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Arrow speed calculation determines the velocity of an arrow based on its kinetic energy and mass. This is important for archers to understand the performance of their equipment and make adjustments for accuracy and efficiency.
The calculator uses the physics formula for velocity from kinetic energy:
Where:
Explanation: The formula derives from the kinetic energy equation (KE = ½mv²) rearranged to solve for velocity.
Details: Knowing arrow speed helps archers optimize their equipment setup, improve accuracy, understand trajectory, and ensure proper arrow selection for different hunting or target scenarios.
Tips: Enter kinetic energy and mass values with appropriate units. The calculator automatically handles unit conversions and provides results in the most appropriate unit (m/s or ft/s) based on your inputs.
Q1: Why is arrow speed important in archery?
A: Arrow speed affects trajectory flatness, wind resistance, kinetic energy delivery, and ultimately accuracy at various distances.
Q2: What are typical arrow speeds for different bow types?
A: Compound bows typically shoot 250-350 fps, recurve bows 180-220 fps, and longbows 150-180 fps, though these vary based on draw weight and arrow weight.
Q3: How does arrow weight affect speed?
A: Heavier arrows travel slower but carry more kinetic energy, while lighter arrows travel faster but with less energy. There's always a trade-off between speed and momentum.
Q4: What factors besides mass affect arrow speed?
A: Draw weight, draw length, bow efficiency, string material, arrow spine, and fletching all contribute to final arrow velocity.
Q5: How accurate is this calculation for real-world archery?
A: While the physics formula is mathematically precise, real-world factors like bow efficiency, air resistance, and arrow flex mean actual speeds may vary slightly from calculated values.