An observer on the ground is x meters from the base of the launch pad of a rocket, which is at the same level as the observer. A
few seconds after the rocket takes off vertically, the observer sees its tip at an angle of q° from the horizontal. How far above the ground is the tip of the rocket at that instant? Assume that the ground is level.. a) x/ tan q. b) x/sin q. cx tan q. d) x cos q.
This can be solved using trigonometric functions. The distance x serves as one leg of a triangle, and makes an angle q with the hypotenuse. The distance from the tip of the rocket to the ground make up the other leg of the triangle. So solving this:
tan q = y / x
Where: y = distance from the tip of the rocket to the ground
