M th

PROJECTILE MOTION 7
CHAPTER

projectile
An object thrown into space with certain velocity, fired from a gun or dropped from a moving
plane is called projectile.
A projectile moves with a constant horizontal velocity and at the same time falls freely under
the action of gravity. The path of projectile is called trajectory.

Trajectory of a Projectile
Let a particle of mass m is projected from a point O with initial velocity v0 making an
angle with horizontal. Take O as origin and horizontal and vertical lines through O as
x-axis and y-axis respectively.

P(x, y)

r
v0

 mg j

0 x-axis

Suppose that after time t the particle is at point P(x, y) whose position vector is
r . i.e.

r = xi + yj
dr
dx
= i + j
dy

dt dt dt

v
= i + j
dx dy

dt dt

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dv
d2 x

i + 2 j
d2 y
=
dt dt2 dt

a
= 2 i + 2 j

d2 x d2 y
________(i)

The gravitational force F
acting on the particle at point P(x, y) is

dt dt

F
=  mg j ________(ii)
By Newtons 2nd law of motion

F
= ma

= m  2 i + 2 j

d2 x d2 y
________(iii)
dt dt
From (ii) & (iii), we get

m  2 i + 2 j  mg j

d2 x d2 y
dt dt

i + 2 j 0.i  g j

d2 x d2 y

dt2 dt

0 and g
2
d x d2 y

dt2 dt2
On integrating with respect to t, we get

=  gt + B
dx dy
= A and _________(iv)
dt dt
Where A & B are constant of integration. To determine the value of these constant we apply
the initial conditions.
Initially at t = 0
dx dy
= v0cos and = v0sin
dt dt
Using these values in (iv), we get
A = v0cos and B = v0sin
Using values of A & B in (iv), we get

 gt
dx dy
and
= v0cos = v0sin ________(v)
dt dt
Eq(v) gives the horizontal and vertical components of velocity at any time t.
On integrating (v), with respect to t, we get

x =
v0cost + C and y =
v0sint  gt2 + D
1
________(vi)
2
Where C & D are constant of integration. To determine the value of these constant we apply
the initial conditions.
Initially at t = 0, x = 0 and y = 0

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C=D=0
Using value of C & D in (vi), we get
x =
v0cos
t ________(vii)

y =
v0sint  gt2
1
and ________(viii)
2
Equations (vii) and (viii) are parametric equations of trajectory. Now we find Cartesian
equation of trajectory.
From (vii)
x
t=
v0cos
Putting value of t in (viii), we get

y =
v0sin  g
x 1 x 2

v0cos 2 v0cos


gx2
y = xtan sec2
2v0 2
Which is Cartesian equation of trajectory of a projectile.

Vertex, Latus Rectum & Maximum Height of a Projectile

We know that the Cartesian equation of the trajectory of a projectile is:

y = xtan 
gx2
sec2
2v0 2

sec2 = xtan  y
gx2

2v0 2

x =   xtan  y  
2
2v0 2 2v0 2

gsec2 gsec2


2
xv0 2 sincos 2yv0 2 cos2
x =
g g

x2  
2
xv0 sincos 2yv0 2 cos2

g g

Adding   on both sides we get

2
v0 2 sincos
g

x  +    
2 2
2
xv0 2 sincos v0 2 sincos v0 2 sincos 2yv0 2 cos2
g g g g

x   = y  
2
v0 2 sincos 2v0 2 cos2 v0 2 sin2
g g 2g
Comparing with (x h)2 = 4a(y k), we get

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h , 4a  , k
v0 2 sincos 2v0 2 cos2 v0 2 sin2
g g 2g

Thus, Vertex =
h, k  , 
v0 2 sincos v0 2 sin2
g 2g

Latus Rectum = |4a||

2v0 2 cos2
g

Height (H) = k
v0 2 sin2
2g

Focus
X-coordinate of focus = x-coordinate of vertex

v0 2 sincos
g

v0 2 2sincos
2g

v0 2
sin2
2g

Y-coordinate of focus = H  (Latus Rectum)

1
4

  
v0 2 sin2 1 2v0 2 cos2
2g 4 g


v0 2 sin2 v0 2 cos2
2g 2g


cos2  cos2  
v0 2 v0 2
cos2
2g 2g

Focus =  sin2, 
v0 2 v0 2
Thus, cos2
2g 2g

Equation of Directrix
Height of directrix above the x-axis is:
1
y = H + (Latus Rectum)
4

+  
v0 2 sin2 1 2v0 2 cos2
2g 4 g

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v0 2 sin2 v0 2 cos2
+
2g 2g

sin2 + cos2 
v0 2
2g

v0 2
2g

Time of Flight
The time taken by the projectile in reaching the final point is called the time of flight of the
projectile. We know that parametric equation of trajectory of projectile are:
x =
v0cost and y =
v0sint  gt2
1
2
To find the time of flight put y = 0

v0sint  gt2 = 0
1
2

v0sin  gt t = 0
1

v0sin  gt = 0 t0
1

2
2v0sin
t=
g
2v0sin
Thus, T.F =
g

Range of a Projectile
The range or horizontal range of the projectile is the horizontal distance covered by the
projectile during time of flight.
Range (R) = (Horizontal Velocity)(Time of Flight)

v0cos   0 sin2
2v0sin v2
g g
R will be maximum when sin2 is maximum.
i.e. sin2 = 1
2 = sin 1(1)
2 = 900
= 450

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Which shows that if projectile is projected with an angle of 450 then it covers the maximum
horizontal distance.
v0 2
Thus Rmax =
g

Question 1
Determine the maximum possible range for a projectile fired from a cannon having muzzle
velocity v0 and prove that the height reached in this case is

v0 2
4g

Solution

Solution
We know that
Rage = (Horizontal Velocity)(Time of Fight)

v0cos  
2v0sin v0 2
sin2
g g
R will be maximum when sin2 is maximum.

i.e. sin2 = 1 2 = sin 1(1)

2 = 900
= 450
Which shows that if projectile is projected with an angle of 450 then it covers the maximum
horizontal distance.
v0 2
Thus Rmax =
g
Height reached
v0 2 sin2
As
2g
Put = 45 0

v0 2  
1 2
2
Height reached
2 2
v0 sin 45 v0 2
2g 2g 4g

Question 2
What is the maximum range of possible for a projectile fired from a cannon having muzzle
velocity 1mile/sec. What is the height reached in this case.?

Solution

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We know that
Rage = (Horizontal Velocity)(Time of Fight)

v0cos  
2v0sin v0 2
sin2
g g
R will be maximum when sin2 is maximum.
i.e. sin2 = 1
2 = sin 1(1)
2 = 900
= 450
v0 2
So Rmax =
g
Given that
v0 = 1 mile/sec = 1760 yard/sec = 1760 3 ft/sec = 5280ft/sec
52802
Thus Rmax =
32
871200 feet mile 165 mile
871200
5280
Height reached
v0 2 sin2
As
2g
Put = 45 0

Height reached
v0 2 sin2 45
2g
v0 2  
1 2
2

v0 2
2g 4g

52802
4(32)
217800 feet

mile 41.25 mile

217800
5280

Question 3
A cannon has its maximum range R. Prove that
(a) the height reached is R4

(b) the time of flight is 2Rg

Solution

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We know that
Rage = (Horizontal Velocity)(Time of Fight)

v0cos  
2v0sin v0 2
sin2
g g
R will be maximum when sin2 is maximum.
i.e. sin2 = 1 2 = sin 1(1) 2 = 900 = 450
v0 2
So Rmax =
g
Given that
Rmax = R
v0 2
R=
g
2
v0 = Rg

Height reached
v0 2 sin2
As
2g

R 
1 2

Rg sin2 45
2 R
2g 2 4
We know that

Time of Flight
2v0sin
g
2Rgsin45 2Rg 2R
= = =
g g2 g

Question 4
A projectile having horizontal range T, reaches a maximum height H. Prove that it must
have been launched with

(a) an initial speed equal to

gR2 +16H2 

8H
(b) at an angle with horizontal given by

sin1  
4H
R2 +16H2

Solution
We know that
R = Rage = (Horizontal Velocity)(Time of Fight)

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v0cos  
2v0sin v0 2
sin2
g g

H = Height reached
v0 2 sin2
and
2g
Now

R +16H =  sin2 + 16  
2 2
2 2v0 2 v0 2 sin2
g 2g
v0 4 2 2
v0 4 sin4
= 2 4sin cos + 4
g g2
4v0 4
= 2 sin2 cos2 + sin2 
g
4v0 4 sin2
= ________(i)
g2
R2 +16H2 4v0 4 sin2 g
=
8H g2 4v0 2 sin2
v0 2
=

gR +16H2 
g
2
2
v0 =
8H
gR2 +16H2 
v0 = 
8H
From (i)

R2 +16H2 =
2v0 2 sin
g
2
4H 2v0 sin2 g
R2 +16H2
= 2
g 2v0 sin

sin sin1  
4H 4H
R2 +16H2 R2 +16H2

Question 5
Find the range of a rifle bullet when is the elevation of projection and v0 the speed. Show
that, if the rifle is fired with the same elevation and the speed from a car travelling with
speed V towards the target, and the range will be increased by

2v0Vsin
g

Solution

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We know that
Rage = (Horizontal Velocity)(Time of Fight)

R
v0cos  
2v0sin v0 2
sin2
g g
When shell is fired from a car moving with velocity V towards the target then the horizontal
velocity increased by V.
i.e. Horizontal velocity = v0cos + V
Let R be new range. Then
R = (New Horizontal Velocity)(Time of Fight)

v0cos + V  
2v0sin
g

v0 2 2v0Vsin
sin2 +
g g
Now
Increased in Range = R  R


v0 2 2v0Vsin v0 2
sin2 + Vsin2
g g g

2v0Vsin
g

Question 6

The range of a rifle bullet is 1200yards when is the elevation of projection. Show that, if

hour towards the target the range will be increased by 220tan

the rifle is fired with the same elevation and the speed from a car travelling at 10 miles per
feet.

Solution
Given that
R = 1200yards = 1200 3 = 3600ft.
and V = 10 mile /h
10 1760 3
=
3600
44
= ft/sec
3
We know that
Rage = (Horizontal Velocity)(Time of Fight)

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R
v0cos  
2v0sin v0 2
sin2
g g

v0 2
Rg

sin2

v0  
Rg Rg

sin2 2sincos

When shell is fired from a car moving with velocity V towards the target then the horizontal
velocity increased by V.
i.e. Horizontal velocity = v0cos + V
Let R be new range. Then
R = (New Horizontal Velocity)(Time of Fight)

v0cos + V  
2v0sin
g

v0 2 2v0Vsin
sin2 +
g g
Now
Increased in Range = R  R


v0 2 2v0Vsin v0 2
sin2 + Vsin2
g g g

2v0Vsin
g


2Vsin Rg
g 2sincos

V tan
g
2R

 tan
44 2 3600
3 32

tan
44 60
3 4
220tan

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Question 7
A battleship is steaming ahead with sped V and a gun is mounted on the battleship so as
the point straight backwards, and is set at an angle of elevation . If v0 is the speed of
projection (relative to the gun), show that the range is

v0 cos
 V
2v0
sin
g
Also prove that the angle of elevation for maximum range is

V +V2 + 8v0 2
cos 1 " $

! #
4v0

Solution
When shell is fired from a battleship moving ahead with velocity V towards the target which
is behind the battleship then the horizontal velocity decreased by V.
i.e. Horizontal velocity = v0cos  V
Let R be the range. Then
R = (Horizontal Velocity)(Time of Fight)

v0cos  V  
2v0sin
g

v0cos  V
2v0sin
g
Differentiating w.r.t , we get

%cos
v0cos  V & sin
v0sin '
dR 2v0
d g

(v0cos2  Vcos  v0sin2 )

2v0
g

(v0cos2 sin2   Vcos)

2v0
g

*v0 cos2 
1 cos2   Vcos+
2v0
g

%v0
2cos2  1  Vcos'
2v0
g

%2v0cos2  Vcos  v0'

2v0
g
Differentiating again w.r.t , we get

%4v0cossin + Vsin'
d2 R 2v0
d2 g

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sin%V  4v0cos'
2v0
g
dR
Putting = 0, we get
d

%2v0cos2  Vcos  v0' 0

2v0
g
2v0cos2  Vcos  v0 0

V V2 + 8v02
cos =
4v0
V + V2 + 8v02
At cos =
4v0

V + V2 + 8v02
sin -V  4v0 .
d2 R 2v0
d2 g 4v0

sin *V2 + 8v02 +

2v0
g

d2 R V + V2 + 8v02
So < 0 at cos =
d2 4v0
V + V2 + 8v02
Which shows that R is maximum at cos = .
4v0
Thus the angle of elevation for maximum range is given by

V + V2 + 8v02
cos 1
0 1
4v0

Question 8

speeds up to 80feet per seconds. Prove that a man 100 feet away is in danger for 5
A shell bursts on contact with the ground and pieces from it fly in all directions with all

2
seconds.

Solution
We know that
Rage = (Horizontal Velocity)(Time of Fight)

v0cos  
2v0sin
g

v0 2
sin2
g

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Given that

R = 100ft, v0 = 80ft/sec and g = 32ft/sec2

802
So 100 = sin2
32
6400
100 = sin2
32

2 = sin1   2 = 30, 150 = 15, 75

1 1
sin2 =
2 2
For the range of 100ft. there are two angles of projection. Let T1 and T2 be the times of the
flights respectively. Then

2v0sin15 2v0sin75
T1 = and T2 =
g g

Let T be the maximum time of danger for the man. Then

T = T2 T1


2v0sin75 2v0sin15 T2
=
g g

sin75  sin15
2v0
=
75  15
g
2cos   sin  
2v0 75 + 15
= 750
g 2 2 T1
2v0
= 2cos45sin30 150
g 100ft.
  =
4(80) 1 1 5
32 2 2 2
= sec

Question 9
A number of particles are projected from the same point at the same instant in various
directions with speed v0. Prove that at any subsequent time t, they will be on a sphere of
radius v0t and determine the motion of the centre of the sphere.

Solution
Let a particle moving with velocity v0 makes an angle . Let after time t a particle is at a
point P(x, y, z). Then
x = (v0cos)t
1 2 1
y = (v0sin) t gt y + gt2 = (v0sin) t
2 2

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z=0
Squaring and adding we get

x +  y + gt  + z =
(v0cos)t2 +
(v0sin)t2
2
1 2 2 2
2
= v0 2 t2 cos2 + sin2 
=
v0 t2

Which is a sphere of a radius v0t centered at  0,  gt2, 0 . Since the centre lies on the
1
2
vertical axis and as t increases centre descends under gravity along vertical axes.

Question 10
Prove that the speed required to project a particle from a height h to fall a horizontal
distance a from the point of projection is at least

g a2 + h2  h

Solution

v0

x
O a
h

P(a, h)

Let O be the point of the projection from where the projectile is projected. Let v0 be the
velocity making angle with horizontal. Let h be the height of the point of the projection O

are (a,  h).

and projectile fall a distance a from O. Let it falls at a point P, therefore the coordinates of P

We know that the Cartesian equation of the trajectory of a projectile is:

y = xtan 
gx2
sec2
2v0 2
Since P(a,  h) lies on it, therefore

 h = atan 
ga2
sec2
2v0 2
 2v0 2 h = 2av0 2 tan  ga2 1 & tan2 

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ga2 tan2  2v0 2 xtan + ga2  2v0 2 h = 0

Since it is coodratic in tan and tan is real therefore discriminate is greater than zero.
i.e.
b2 4ac 0

2av0 2 3  4
ga2 
ga2  2v0 2 h 0

2av0 2 3 4
ga2 
ga2  2v0 2 h

4a2 v0 4g2 a4  8gha2 v0 v0 4 g2 a2  2ghv0 2

4 2

v0 4 + 2ghv0 2 g2 a2 v0 4 + 2ghv0 2 +
gh2 g2 a2 +
gh2

v0 2 + gh3 g2 a2 & h2 

v0 2 + gh g2 a2 & h2 

v0 2 ga2 & h2  gh

v0 g a2 & h2  h

Hence the least velocity of projection is

v0 = g a2 & h2  h

Question 11
A projectile is launched at an angle from a cliff of height H above the see level. if it falls
into the sea at a distance D from the base of the cliff, prove that the maximum height above
sea level is

D2 tan2

H+
4
H + Dtan

Solution

v0 h

x
O D
H

P(D, H)

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Let O be the point of the projection from where the projectile is projected. Let v0 be the
velocity making angle with horizontal. Let H be the height of the point of the projection O

are (D,  H).

and projectile fall a distance D from O. Let it falls at a point P, therefore the coordinates of P

Let h be the height above the x-axis then

v0 2 sin2
h= ________(i)
2g
We know that the Cartesian equation of the trajectory of a projectile is:

y = xtan 
gx2
sec2
2v0 2
Since P(D,  H) lies on it, therefore

 H = Dtan 
gD2
sec2
2v0 2
gD2
Dtan + H = sec2
2v0 2

2
gD2
v0 =
2
H + Dtancos2
Using value of v0 2 in (i), we get

h=  
gD2 sin2
2
H + Dtancos2 2g

=  
D2 tan2
4
H + Dtan
Height above sea level = H + h

H+
D2 tan2
4
H + Dtan

Question 12
A ball is dropped from the top of a tower of height h. At the same moment, another ball is
thrown from a point of the ground at a distance k from the foot of tower so as to strike the
first ball at the depth d. Show that the initial speed and the direction of projection of the
speed ball are respectively

gh2  k2 
 and tan 1  
h
2d k

Solution

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I
d
P

hd h

v0

x
II O k

Let the first ball is dropped from the height h and it strikes the second ball at the depth d at a
point P whose coordinates are (k, h d).
We know that
1 2
x = ut + gt
2
For 1st ball, x = d and u = 0
1 2
So d= gt ________(i)
2
For 2nd ball parametric equations are
x = (v0cos)t

and y = (v0sin)t 
1 2
gt
2
Since P(k, h d) lies on it therefore
k = (v0cos)t ______(ii)

and h  d = (v0sin)t 
1 2
gt ______(iii)
2
Adding (i) and (iii), we get
h = (v0sin)t ______(iv)
Squaring (ii) and (iv) then adding, we get
h2 + k2 =
(v0sin)t2 +
(v0cos)t2

= v02 t
sin2 + cos2  = v02 t2
2

2d
= v0 2 By(i)
g

gh2 + k2  gh2 + k2 
v0 2
v0 
2d 2d

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From (ii) & (iv), we have

= tan1  
h h
tan =
k k

Question 13
From a gun placed on a horizontal plane, which can fire a shell with speed 2gH, it is
required to thro a shell over a wall of height h, and the elevation of the gun cannot exceed
< 450. Show that this will be possible only when h < Hsin2, and that, if this condition
be satisfied, the gun must be fired from within a strip of the plane whose breadth is
H
Hsin2  h
4cos

Solution
y

C D

v0
h h

x
O O A B

Let AC be a wall of height h and particle be projected at O with speed v0 making an angle .
Then v0 = 2gH (given)
Now for a shell to cross the wall, the height of the wall is less than the height of vertex.
v0 2 sin2
i.e. h <
2g

 v0 = 2gH
2gHsin2
h <
2g
h < Hsin2
Which is required.
We know that the Cartesian equation of the trajectory of a projectile is:

y = xtan 
gx2
sec2
2v0 2
Putting y = h and v0 = 2gH, we get

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h = xtan 
x2
sec2

4hH = 4xHtan  x2 sec2

4H

x2 sec2  4xHtan + 4hH 0

x2  4xHtancos2 + 4hHcos2 0
x2  4xHsincos + 4hHcos2 0

4Hsincos 16H2 sin2 cos2  4

1(4hHcos2 )
x=
2
4Hsincos 16H2 sin2 cos2  16hHcos2
=
2
4Hsincos 4cosH2 sin2  hH
=
2
= 2Hsincos 2cosH2 sin2  hH

Thus

OB = 2Hsincos + 2cosH2 sin2  hH

OA =2Hsincos  2cosH2 sin2  hH

Hence the breadth of the strip is:

OO = AB = OB OA = 4cosH2 sin2  hH

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Question 14
A shell fired with speed V at an elevation , hits an airship at height H,, which is moving
horizontally away from the gun with speed v0. Show that, if

2Vcos
 v0 V2 sin2  2gH = v0 Vsin

The shell might also have hit the air ship if the latter had remained stationary in the position it
occupied when the gun was actually fired.

Solution
y

A B

v
H H

x
O

Let A be the position of airship when shot was fired and it hit plane at B. If t is the time taken
by hell to reach height H.
We know that

y = (v0sin)t 
1 2
gt
2
Putting v0 = V, = and y = H, we get

H = (Vsin)t 
1 2
gt

2H = (Vsin)t  gt2
2

gt2  (Vsin)t & 2H = 0

2Vsin 4V2 sin2  8Hg

t=
2g

Vsin V2 sin2  2Hg

=
g

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Let t1 and t2 be the time taken by the shell to reach the point A and B respectively. Then

Vsin  V2 sin2  2Hg Vsin +V2 sin2  2Hg

t1 = and t2 =
g g
Let T be the time taken by the shell from A to B. Then
T = t2 t1

Vsin +V2 sin2  2Hg Vsin  V2 sin2  2Hg


g g

2V2 sin2  2Hg

g
Now |AB| = Distance covered by shell
= (Horizontal Velocity)(Time)

2V2 sin2  2Hg

Vcos
g
2VcosV2 sin2  2Hg
______(i)
g
Now |AB| = Distance covered by airship
= (Velocity)(Time) = v0t2

v0 Vsin +V2 sin2  2Hg

______(ii)
g
From (i) and (ii), we get

2VcosV2 sin2  2Hg v0 Vsin +V2 sin2  2Hg

g g

2VcosV2 sin2  2Hg v0 Vsin + v0 V2 sin2  2Hg

v0 Vsin = 2VcosV2 sin2  2Hg  v0 V2 sin2  2Hg

v0 Vsin =
2Vcos  v0  V2 sin2  2Hg

Which is required.

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Question 15
An aeroplane is flying with constant speed v0 and at constant height h. Show that if, a gun
is fired point blank at the aeroplane after it has passed directly over the gun when its angle
of elevation as seen from the gun is , the shell will hit the aero plane provided that
2

Vcos
 v0  v0 tan2 = gh
Where V is the initial speed of the shot, the path being assumed parabolic.

Solution

A B

O C D
Let A be the position of plane when shot was fired and it hit plane at B. Let v0 be the speed of
plane.
From fig.
AB = v0t (  S = vt)
Horizontal coordinate of B = OD
= OC + CD
= OC + AB  AB = CD
= OC + v0t  AB = v0t _____(i)
In AOC
AC
= tan
OC

= tan OC OC hcot
h h

OC tan
Using value of OC in (i), we get
Horizontal coordinate of B = hcot + v0t
Thus coordinates of B are (hcot + v0t, h)
The parametric equations are:
x = (v0cos)t

y = (v0sin)t 
1 2
gt
2

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 24

Here v0 = V therefore
x = (Vcos)t ______(ii)

y = (Vsin)t 
1 2
gt ______(iii)
2
Since B lies on the trajectory therefore x = hcot + v0t and y = h
Using x = hcot + v0t in (ii), we get
hcot + v0t = (Vcos)t
hcot = (Vcos)t  v0t
hcot = (Vcos  v0)t

Vcos  v0
hcot
t=

Using y = h in (iii), we get

h = (Vsin)t 
1 2
gt
2

= (Vsin) Vcos  v  g Vcos  v

hcot 1 hcot 2

0 2 0

=   g 
2

Vcos  v0 2 Vcos  v0
Vhcos 1 hcot

1 =   g 
Vcos  v0 2 Vcos  v0
2
Vcos h cot

2
Vcos  v02 = 2
Vcos
Vcos  v0  hgcot2

ghcot2 = 2
Vcos
Vcos  v0  2
Vcos  v02

ghcot2 = 2
Vcos  v0
Vcos  Vcos + v0

gh = 2v0
Vcos  v0tan2

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 25

Parabola of Safety
A parabola which touches the every trajectory of a projectile which is formed inward for
different value of angle of projection with same initial velocity v0 is called parabola of safety.
y

Parabola of safety

x
O
Equation of trajectory of a parabola is:

y = xtan 
gx2
sec2
2v0 2

y = xtan 
1 + tan2 
gx2

2v0 2

y = xtan  
gx2 gx2
tan2
2v0 2 2v0 2

tan  xtan +  2 + y = 0
gx2 2
gx2

2v0 2 2v0
This equation is quadratic in tan. For envelope put discriminate of equation equal to zero.
i.e.
b2 4ac = 0

x2  4  2   2 + y = 0
gx2 gx2

2v0 2v0

1  2  2  = 0
g gx2 + 2v0 2 y

v0 2v0 2

g = 1
gx2 + 2v0 2 y

v0 4
2 2
v0 4
gx + 2v0 y =
g

gx2 =  2v0 2 y +
v0 4

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 26

x = 
2
2v0 2 y 2v0 4
+
g 2g2

x =  y  
2
2v0 2 v0 2

g 2g
Which is the equation of parabola of safety.

Question 16

2ga of which the vertical component is V. Show that at time t = 2a/V the particle is on a
A particle is projected at time t = 0 in a fixed vertical plane from a given point O with speed

fixed parabola (parabola of safety), that its path touches the parabola, and that its direction of
motion is then perpendicular to its direction of projection.

Solution

Given that v0 = 2ga and V = v0sin

We know that the equation of parabola of safety is:

x =  y  
2
2v0 2 v0 2
g 2g

2ga
x =  7y  8
2 2
2
22ga

g 2g

=  4a
y  a _______(i)
Which is the equation of the parabola of safety.
Let P(x, y) be a point on trajectory then
x = (v0cos)t ______(ii)

y = (v0sin)t 
1 2
gt ______(iii)
2

ii becomes
2a
At t =
V
2a
x = (v0cos)
V
2a
= (v0cos)
v0sin
x = 2acot ______(iv)

iii becomes
2a
At t =
V

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 27

 g 
2a 1 2a 2
y = (v0sin)
V 2 V

 g 
2a 1 2a 2
= (v0sin)
v0sin 2 v0sin

= 2a  g  
2
1 2a
2 2ga sin

= 2a  a cosec 2 ______(v)
Thus the coordinates of P are (2acot, 2a  a cosec 2 )
Putting (iv) and (v) in (i), we get

2acot2 =  4a
2a  a cosec 2  a
4a2 cot2 =  4a
a  acosec 2 
a2 cot2 = a2
cosec 2  1
a2 cot2 = a2 cot2
L.H.S = R.H.S
Thus P(x, y) lies on the parabola of safety. So at t = 2a/V this trajectory touches the parabola
of safety.
Differentiate (ii) & (iii) w.r.t t, we get

= v0 sin  gt
dx dy
= v0 cos and
dt dt

= :
dy dy dx
Now

v0 sin  gt
dx dt dt

=
v0 cos
2a
At t =
V

dy v0 sin  g V
2a
=
dx v0 cos
Vv0 sin  2ag
=
Vv0 cos

v0 sinv0 sin  2ag
 V = v0 sin

v0 sinv0 cos
=

2gasin2gasin  2ag
 v0 = 2ga
2gasin2gacos
=

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 28

2agsin2  2ag
=
2agsincos
1  sin2
= 
sincos

= 
cos2
sincos
=  cot
This is the slope of the tangent at t = 2a/V

= tan
dy
Since
dx
Where is inclination of the tangent at P(x, y). Then
tan =  cot tan(900 + )
= 900 +
Thus at t = 2a/V, its direction of motion is perpendicular to the direction of projection.

Range of a Projectile on Inclined Plane

Let a plane be inclined at an angle to the horizontal. Let a particle is projected from point O
with velocity v0 by making an angle to the horizontal with < . Let the projectile meet
the inclined plane at a point P(x, y). Then OP = r is called the range of projectile on inclined
plane.
Then x = rcos and y = rsin
So P(x, y) = (rcos, rsin)

P(x, y)

v0 r
rsin


x
O rcos

Equation of the trajectory is:

y = xtan 
gx2
sec2
2v0 2

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 29

Since P lies on it therefore

rsin = rcostan 
gr2 cos2 2
sec
2v0 2

sin = costan 
grcos2

2v0 2 cos2

= costan  sin
grcos2

2v0 2 cos2

 sin
grcos2 sin
= cos
2v0 2 cos2 cos
grcos2 sincos  cossin
=
2v0 2 cos2 cos

= sin
 
grcos2

2v0 2 cos

cossin
 
2v0 2
r= ____________(i)
gcos2
Since sin( + )  sin(  ) = 2cossin
Replacing by  , we get
sin(2  )  sin() = 2cossin(  ) ___________(ii)
From (i) and (ii), we get
v0 2 sin(2  )  sin
r=
g cos2
Which is the range of a projectile on an inclined plane.
Range will maximum if sin(2  ) = 1
2  = sin 1(1)
2 = + 900

= + 450
2

v0 2 1  sin
Thus,

r<=> =  
g cos2
v0 2 1  sin
 
g 1  sin2
=

1  sin
 =
g
1  sin
1 + sin
v0 2 v0 2
=
g
1 + sin

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 30

Question 17

2gk, and the guns in the fort are at a height h above the guns in the ship. If d1 and d2 are
A fort and a ship are both armed with guns which give their projectiles a muzzle velocity

the greatest horizontal ranges at which the fort and ship, respectively, can engage, prove
that

=
kh
d1 k+h
d2

Solution

r
h

v0

x
S d2 A

Let S be ship and F be fort. Let fort makes angle with x-axis. i.e. ASF = . Let SF = r
Since d2 is greatest horizontal range for gun in the ship so r is the maximum range on inclined
plane with inclination . Then
v0 2
r=
g
1 + sin

Put v0 = 2gk
2gk
r=
g
1 + sin
2k r + rsin
From fig.
h = rsin
2k r + h
r 2k h
Also from fig.
r2 = h2 + d2 2

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 31

2k h2 = h2 + d2 2

4k2 + h2  4hk = h2 + d2 2
d2 2 4k2  4hk 4k
k  h _______(i)
For a gun in fort, change h to h
d1 2 4k
k + h _______(ii)
From (i) and (ii), we get

4k
k + h

d1 2
d2 2 4k
k  h

k+h

kh
d1

d2

Question 18
A shell of mass m1 + m2 is fired with a velocity whose horizontal and vertical components
are u, v and at the highest point in its path the shell explodes into two fragments m1, m2.
The explosion produces additional kinetic energy E, and the fragments separate in a
horizontal direction. Show that they strike the ground at a distance apart which is equal to

2E   
V 1 1
g m1 m2

Solution
Let v0 be the velocity of the projection. then by given conditions
u = v0cos _______(i)
v = v0sin ______(ii)
At the highest point, there is only horizontal velocity u. Let v1 and v2 be the velocities of m1
and m2 respectively at the time of explosion. Then by law of conservation of momentum.
m1v1 + m2v2 = (m1 + m2)u
m 1 v1 + m 2 v2
u= _______(iii)
m1 + m2
Now
Increase in K.E. = K.E. after explosion K.E. before explosion

E =  m1 v1 2 + m2 v2 2   
m1 + m2 u2 
1 1 1

2E = m1 v1 2 + m2 v2 2 
m1 + m2 u2
2 2 2

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 32


m1 + m2   
2 2
m 1 v1 + m 2 v2 2
2E = m1 v1 + m2 v2 By (iii)

2
m1 + m2 E =
m1 + m2 
m1 v1 2 + m2 v2 2  
m1v1 + m2v22
m1 + m2

= m 1 2 v1 2 + m 1 m 2 v2 2 + m 2 m 1 v1 2 + m 2 2 v2 2  m 1 2 v1 2  m 2 2 v2 2
 2m1 m2 v1 v2
= m1 m2 v2 2 + m2 m1 v1 2  2m1 m2 v1 v2
= m1 m2
v2 2 + v1 2  2v1 v2 
= m1 m2
v2  v1 3
2
m1 + m2 E

v2  v1 3
m1 m2

v2  v1 2E   
1 1

m1 m2

Which is relative velocity of m1 + m2.

Now the time taken by pieces to touch the ground is given by:
1
Time = (Time of flight)
2

=  =
1 2v0 sin v0 sin
2 g g
v
= By (ii)
g
Distance Apart = (Relative velocity)(Time)

v2  v1 
v
g

2E   
v 1 1
g m1 m2

Which is required.

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 33

Question 19 (Speed of projectile)

Show that least speed with which a particle must be projected so that it passes through two
points P and Q at height hP and hQ respectively is:

ghP + hQ + PQ

Solution
y
M N Directrix

v0 2
P Q y=
2g

hP hQ
S

x
O L R

Let S be the focus.

From fig.
LM = LP + PM
v0 2
= hP + PM _________(i)
2g
RN = RQ + QN
v0 2
= hQ + QN _________(ii)
2g
Adding (i) and (ii), we get
v0 2
= hP + hQ + PM + QN
g
v0 2 = ghP + hQ + PM + QN
= ghP + hQ + PS + QS By focus-directrix property

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 34

v0 = ghP + hQ + PS + QS

v0 is least when PS + QS is least, which is least when S lies on PQ. i.e. when
PS + QS = PQ
Hence

v0 min = ghP + hQ + PQ

%%%%% End of The Chapter # 7 %%%%%

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