Who is credited for the initial understanding of projectile trajectories?

The individual credited for the initial understanding of projectile trajectories is Tartaglia. In the 16th century, Niccolò Tartaglia made significant contributions to the study of ballistics and the mathematics of projectiles. He conducted experiments and developed theories that described the motion of projectiles under the influence of gravity, providing key insights into how various factors affect trajectory, including angle of launch and velocity.

Tartaglia's work laid the foundation for further developments in the field of ballistics and influenced later scientists in their studies of motion. His systematic approach to analyzing projectile motion and introducing concepts like parabolic trajectories was crucial in advancing the understanding of how objects behave when launched into the air, contributing to the broader field of physics and engineering. This makes him a pivotal figure in the historical context of understanding projectile motion.