Question

If the range of a projectile's trajectory is six times larger than the height of the trajectory, then what was the angle of launch with respect to the horizontal? (Assume a flat and horizontal landscape.)

Answer 1

Answer:

H = 1/2 g t^2    where t is time to fall a height H

H = 1/8 g T^2   where T is total time in air  (2 t  = T)

R = V T cos θ       horizontal range

3/4 g T^2 = V T cos θ       6 H = R    given in problem

cos θ = 3 g T / (4 V)           (I)

Now t = V sin θ / g     time for projectile to fall from max height

T = 2 V sin θ / g

T / V = 2 sin θ / g

cos θ = 3 g / 4 (T / V)     from (I)

cos θ = 3 g / 4 * 2 sin V / g = 6 / 4 sin θ

tan θ = 2/3      

θ = 33.7 deg

As a check- let V = 100 m/s

Vx = 100 cos 33.7 = 83,2

Vy = 100 sin 33,7 = 55.5

T = 2 * 55.5 / 9.8 = 11.3 sec

H = 1/2 * 9.8 * (11.3 / 2)^2 = 156

R = 83.2 * 11.3 = 932

R / H = 932 / 156 = 5.97        6 within rounding