Contents

Chapter 20 : Projectiles

C H A P T E R

Projectiles

In the previous chapters, we have been

discussing the motion of bodies, either in horizontal
or vertical directions. But we see that whenever a
particle is projected upwards at a certain angle (but
not vertical), we find that the particle traces some path
in the air and falls on the ground at a point, other than
the point of projection. If we study the motion of the
particle, we find that the velocity, with which the
particle was projected, has two components namely
vertical and horizontal.
The function of the vertical component is to
project the body vertically upwards, and that of the
horizontal is to move the body horizontally in its
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A Textbook of Engineering Mechanics

direction. The combined effect of both the components is to move the particle along a parabolic
path. A particle, moving under the combined effect of vertical and horizontal forces, is called a
projectile. It may be noted that the vertical component of the motion is always subjected to gravitational
acceleration, whereas the horizontal component remains constant.

The following terms, which will be frequently used in this chapter, should be clearly under-
stood at this stage :
1. Trajectory. The path, traced by a projectile in the space, is known as trajectory.
2. Velocity of projection. The velocity, with which a projectile is projected, is known as the
velocity of projection.
3. Angle of projection. The angle, with the horizontal, at which a projectile is projected, is
known as the angle of projection.
4. Time of flight. The total time taken by a projectile, to reach maximum height and to
return back to the ground, is known as the time of flight.
5. Range. The distance, between the point of projection and the point where the projectile
strikes the ground, is known as the range. It may be noted that the range of a projectile
may be horizontal or inclined.

Consider a body at A thrown horizontally into the *air with a

horizontal velocity (v) as shown in Fig. 20.1. A little consideration
will show, that this body is subjected to the following two
velocities :
1. Horizontal velocity (v), and
2. Vertical velocity due to gravitational acceleration.
It is thus obvious, that the body will have some resultant
velocity, with which it will travel into the air. We have already
discussed in Art 20.1. that the vertical component of this velocity is
always subjected to gravitational acceleration, whereas the horizontal component remains constant.
Thus the time taken by the body to reach the ground, is calculated from the vertical component of
the velocity, whereas the horizontal range is calculated from the horizontal component of the velocity.
The velocity, with which the body strikes the ground at B, is the resultant of horizontal and vertical
velocities.
An aircraft, moving horizontally at 108 km/hr at an altitude of 1000 m
towards a target on the ground, releases a bomb which hits it. Estimate the horizontal distance of the
aircraft from the target, when it released the bomb. Calculate also the direction and velocity with
which the bomb hits the target. Neglect air friction.
Given : Horizontal velocity of aircraft, (V) = 108 km/hr = 30 m/s
Horizontal distance of the aircraft from the target when it released the bomb
First of all, consider the vertical motion of the bomb due to gravitational acceleration
only. In this case, initial velocity (u) = 0 and distance covered (s) = 1000 m.
Let t = Time required by bomb to reach the ground.

* For all types of calculation, the air resistance, until specified otherwise, is neglected.
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Chapter 20 : Projectiles
We know that height of aircraft (s)
1 2 1
1000 ut gt 0 9.8 t 2 4.9 t 2
2 2
1000
or t2 204.1 or t = 14.3 s
4.9
Horizontal distance of the aircraft from the target when it released the bomb,
H = V × t = 30 × 14.3 = 429 m Ans.
Direction and velocity with which the bomb hits the target
Let = Angle which the bomb makes with vertical when it hits the
target.
We know that final velocity of the bomb in the vertical direction when it hits target (i.e.
after 14.3 seconds),
v = u + gt = 0 + (9.8 × 14.3) = 140.1 m/s
30
tan 0.2141 or 12.1 Ans.
140.1
and resultant velocity with which the bomb hits the target
(140.1) 2 (30) 2 143.3 m/s Ans.
A motor cyclist wants to jump over a ditch as shown in Fig. 20.2.

Find the necessary minimum velocity at A in km. p. hr. of the motor cycle. Also find the
inclination and the magnitude of the velocity of the motor cycle just after clearing the ditch.
Given : Width of ditch (x) = 4 m and vertical distance between A and B (s) = 2 m.
Minimum velocity of motor cycle at A
Let u = Minimum velocity of motor cycle at A, and
t = Time taken by the motor cycle to clear the ditch.
First of all, let us consider the vertical motion of the motor cycle from A to B due to gravita-
tional acceleration only. In this case, initial velocity of motor cycle (u) = 0.
We know that vertical distance between A and B (s),
1 1
2 ut g t2 0 9.8 t 2 4.9 t 2
2 2
2
or t2 0.41 or t = 0.64 s
4.9
Minimum velocity of the motor cycle at A
4
6.25 m/s = 22.5 km.p.h. Ans.
0.64
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Inclination and magnitude of the velocity of motor cycle just after clearing the ditch (i.e. at B)
Let = Inclination of the velocity with the vertical.
We know that final velocity of the motor cycle in the vertical direction at B (i.e.after 0.64
second)
v = u + gt = 0 + (9.8 × 0.64) = 6.27 m/s
6.25
tan 0.9968 or 44.9 Ans.
6.27
and magnitude of the velocity of the motor cycle just after clearing the ditch

(6.25) 2 (6.27) 2 8.85 m/s = 31.86 km.p.h. Ans.

An aeroplane is flying on a straight level course at 200 km per hour at a
height of 1000 metres above the ground. An anti-aircraft gun located on the ground fires a shell with
an initial velocity of 300 m/s, at the instant when the plane is vertically above it. At what inclination,
to the horizontal, should the gun be fired to hit the plane ? What time after firing, the gun shell will
hit the plane ? What will then be the horizontal distance of the plane from the gun ?
Given : Aeroplane velocity = 200 km.p.h. = 55.56 m/s ; Height of plane = 1000
m and velocity of shell (u) = 300 m/s
Inclination of the gun

The actual position of the plane and anti-aircraft gun is shown in Fig. 20.3 (a). Let the
anti-aircraft gun be located at O and the plane at the time of firing the shell be at A. Now after
sometime, let the plane reach at B, when it is hit by the shell as shown in Fig. 20.3 (b).
Now let = Inclination of gun with the horizontal, and
t = Time taken by the shell to hit the plane.
First of all, consider the motion of the plane. We know that the distance AB
= 55.56 × t = 55.56 t metres ...(i)
Now consider motion of the plane. We know that horizontal component of the shell velocity
ux = u cos = 300 cos
and distance AB = 300 cos . t ...(ii)
Equating equation (i) and (ii),
55.56 t = 300 cos .t
55.56
cos 0.1852 or = 79.3° Ans.
300
Time after firing the shell will hit the plane
Now consider the vertical motion of the shell. We know that vertical component of the shell
velocity,
uy = 300 sin 79.3° = 300 × 0.9826 = 295 m/s
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Chapter 20 : Projectiles
We know that the vertical distance OA (s),
1 1
1000 uy t – gt 2 295t – 9.8 t 2 295 t – 4.9 t 2
2 2
4.9 t2 – 295 t + 1000 = 0
This is a quadratic equation in t.
295 (295)2 – (4 4.9 1000)
t 3.57 s Ans.
2 4.9
Horizontal distance of the plane from the gun
We know that horizontal distance of the plane from the gun
AB = 55.56 t = 55.56 × 3.57 = 198.3 m Ans.

EXERCISE 20.1
1. A bomber, flying horizontally at a height of 500 m with a velocity of 450 km.p.h., has
aimed to hit a target. Find at what distance from the target, he should release the bomb in
order to hit the target. (Ans. 1262.5 m)
2. A shot is fired horizontally from the top of a tower with a velocity of 100 m/s. If the shot
hits the ground after 2 seconds, find the height of the tower and the distance from the foot
of the tower, where the shot strikes the ground. (Ans. 19.2 m ; 200 m)
3. A helicopter is moving horizontally at 90 km.p.h. at a height of 200 m towards a target on
the ground, which is intended to be shelled. Estimate the distance from the target, where
the shell must be released in order to hit the target.
Also find the velocity with which the shell hits the target and the direction of shell at the
time of hitting the target. (Ans. 173.25 m ; 67.4 m/s ; 21° 46’)

Consider a particle projected upwards from a point O at an angle , with the horizontal, with
an initial velocity u m/sec as shown in Fig. 20.4.
Now resolving this velocity into its vertical and horizontal components,
V = u sin and H = u cos
We know that the vertical component (u sin ) is subjected to retardation due to gravity. The
particle will reach maximum height, when the vertical component becomes zero. After this the particle
will come down, due to gravity, and this motion will be subjected to acceleration due to gravity.

The horizontal component (u cos ) will remain constant, since there is no acceleration or
retardation (neglecting air resistance). The combined effect of the horizontal and the vertical
components will be to move the particle, along some path in the air and then the particle falls on the
ground at some point A, other than the point of projection O as shown in Fig. 20.4.
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Consider a particle projected from a point O at a certain angle with the horizontal. As already
discussed, the particle will move along certain path OPA, in the air, and will fall down at A as shown
in Fig. 20.5.
Let u = Velocity of projection, and
= Angle of projection with the horizontal.
Consider any point P as the position of particle, after t seconds with x and y as co-ordinates as
shown in Fig. 20.5. We know that horizontal component of the velocity of projection.
= u cos
and vertical component = u sin
1
y u sin t – gt 2 ...(i)
2
and x = u cos t
x
or t
u cos
Substituting the value of t in equation (i),
2
x 1 x
y u sin – g
u cos 2 u cos

gx2
x tan – ...(ii)
2u 2 cos2
Since this is the equation of a parabola, therefore path of a projectile (or the equation of
trajectroy) is also a parabola.
It is an important equation, which helps us in obtaining the following relations of a
projectile :
1. Time of flight,
2. Horizontal range, and
3. Maximum height of a projectile.

It is the time, for which the projectile has remained in the air. We have already discussed in Art.
20.5 that the co-ordinates of a projectile after time t.
1
y u sin t – gt 2
2
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Chapter 20 : Projectiles
We know that when the particle is at A, y is zero. Substituting this value of y in the above
equation,
1
0 u sin t – gt 2
2
1 2
or u sin t gt
2
1
u sin gt ...(Dividing both sides by t)
2
2u sin
t
g
A projectile is fired upwards at an angle of 30° with a velocity of 40 m/s.
Calculate the time taken by the projectile to reach the ground, after the instant of firing.
Given : Angle of projection with the horizontal ( ) = 30° and velocity of projec-
tion (u) = 40 m/s.
We know that time taken by the projectile to reach the ground after the instant of firing,
2u sin 2 40 sin 30° 80 0.5
t 4.08 s Ans.
g g 9.8

We have already discussed, that the horizontal distance between the point of projection and the
point, where the projectile returns back to the earth is called horizontal range of a projectile. We have
also discussed in Arts. 20.4 and 20.6 that the horizontal velocity of a projectile
= u cos
2u sin
and time of flight, t
g
Horizontal range = Horizontal velocity × Time of flight
2u sin 2u 2 sin cos
u cos
g g
u 2 sin 2
R ...( sin 2 = 2 sin cos )
g
For a given velocity of projectile, the range will be maximum when sin 2 = 1. Therefore
2 = 90° or = 45°

or u 2 sin 90 u2 ...( sin 90° =1)

Rmax
g g
A ball is projected upwards with a velocity of 15 m/s at an angle of 25° with
the horizontal. What is the horizontal range of the ball ?
Given : Velocity of projection (u) = 15 m/s and angle of projection with the
horizontal ( ) = 25°
We know that horizontal range of the ball,
u 2 sin 2 (15) 2 sin (2 25 ) 225 sin 50
R
g g g
225 0.766
17.6 m Ans.
9.8
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We have already discussed that the vertical component of the initial velocity of a projectile
= u sin ...(i)
and vertical component of final velocity
=0 ...(ii)
Average velocity of (i) and (ii),
u sin 0 u sin
...(iii)
2 2
Let H be the maximum height reached by the particle and t be the time taken by the particle to
reach maximum height i.e.,to attain zero velocity from (u sin ). We have also discussed that time
taken by the projectile to reach the maximum height,
u sin
g
Maximum height of the projectile,
H = Average vertical velocity × Time
u sin u sin u 2 sin 2
2 g 2g
A bullet is fired with a velocity of 100 m/s at an angle of 45° with the
horizontal. How high the bullet will rise ?
Given : Velocity of projection (u) = 100 m/s and angle of projection with the
horizontal ( ) = 45°
We know that maximum height to which the bullet will rise,

u 2 sin 2 (100) 2 sin 2 45 10000 (0.707) 2

H m
2g 2 9.8 19.6
= 255.1 m Ans.
If a particle is projected inside a horizontal tunnel which is 5 metres high
with a velocity of 60 m/s, find the angle of projection and the greatest possible range.
Given : Height of the tunnel (H) = 5 m and velocity of projection (u) = 60 m/s.
Angle of projection
Let = Angle of projection.
We know that height of tunnel (H)
u 2 sin 2 (60) 2 sin 2
5 183.7 sin 2
2g 2 9.8
5
or sin 2 0.0272
183.7
sin = 0.1650 or = 9.5° Ans.
Greatest possible range
We know that greatest possible range,
u 2 sin 2 (60) 2 sin (2 9.5 ) (60)2 sin 19
R m
g 9.8 9.8
3600 0.3256
119.6 m Ans.
9.8
A body is projected at such an angle that the horizontal range is three times
the greatest height. Find the angle of projection.
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Chapter 20 : Projectiles
Given : Horizontal range (R) = 3 H (where H is the greatest height). ...(i)
Let = Angle of projection.
We know that horizontal range,
u 2 sin 2
R
g
u 2 sin 2
and the greatest height H
2g
Substituting these values of R and H in the given equation (i),
u 2 sin 2 u 2 sin 2
3
g 2g
u2 2 sin cos u 2 sin 2
3 ...( 2 2 sin cos )
g 2g
or 2 cos 1.5 sin
2
tan 1.333 or = 53.1° Ans.
1.5
A particle is thrown with a velocity of 5 m/s at an elevation of 60° to the
horizontal. Find the velocity of another particle thrown at an elevation of 45° which will have (a)
equal horizontal range, (b) equal maximum height, and (c) equal time of flight.
Given : Velocity of projection of first particle (u1) = 5 m/s ; Angle of projection
of first particle with the horizontal ( 1) = 60° and angle of projection of second particle with the
horizontal ( 2) = 45°
Let u2 = Velocity of projection of the second particle.
(a) Velocity of the second particle for equal horizontal range
We know that horizontal range of a projectile,
u 2 sin 2
R
g
For equal horizontal range
u12 sin 2 1 u22 sin 2 2
g g
(5)2 sin (2 × 60°) = u22 sin (2 × 45°)
sin 120 0.866
or u2 2 25 25 21.65
sin 90 1.0
u2 = 4.65 m/s Ans.
(b) Velocity of the second particle for equal maximum height
We know that maximum height of a projectile,
u 2 sin 2
H
2g
For equal maximum height
u12 sin 2 1 u22 sin 2 2
2g 2g
(5)2 sin2 60° = u22 sin2 45°
sin 2 60 (0.866)2
or u2 2 25 25 37.5
sin 2 45 (0.707) 2
u2 = 6.12 m/s Ans.
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(c) Velocity of the second particle for equal time of flight
We know that time of flight of a projectile
2u sin
t
g
For equal time of flight
2u1 sin 1 2u2 sin 2
g g
2 × 5 sin 60° = 2u2 sin 45°
sin 60 0.866
or u2 5 5 6.12 m/s Ans.
sin 45 0.707
A particle is projected from the base of a hill whose shape is that of a right
circular cone with axis vertical. The projectile grazes the vertex and strikes the hill again at a point
on the base. If be the semi-vertical angle of the cone, h its height, u the initial velocity of the
projectile and the angle of projection measured from the horizontal, show that :
1
tan = 2 cot and u 2 gh 2 tan2 .
2
where g is acceleration due to gravity.
Given : Semi-vertical angle = ; Initial velocity of the projectile = u and angle of
projection with the horizontal =
(i) We know that maximum height through which the particle will
rise,
u 2 sin 2
h
2g
u 2 sin 2
and horizontal range OB R
g
From the geometry of the figure we find that
u 2 sin 2
2
h 2h 2g sin 2 sin 2 tan
cot
R R 2
u sin 2 sin 2 2sin cos 2
2 g
tan = 2 cot Ans.
(ii) The above equation, may be written as
1 1 1
tan 2 cot or cot tan
2
1
cot 2 tan 2 ...(Squaring both sides)
4
We know that maximum height through which the particle will rise,
u 2 sin 2
h
2g
2 gh
u2 2 gh cosec 2
sin 2
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Chapter 20 : Projectiles
1
u2 2 gh (1 cot 2 ) 2 gh 1 tan 2
4
1
... Substituting cot 2 tan 2
4
1
gh 2 tan 2 Ans.
2
A projectile is aimed at a mark on the horizontal plane through the point
of projection. It falls 12 metres short when the angle of projection is 15° ; while it overshoots the
mark by 24 metres when the same angle is 45°. Find the angle of projection to hit the mark. Assume
no air resistance.
Given : When angle of projection with the horizontal ( 1) = 15°, horizontal
range (R1) = R – 12 m and when angle of projection with the horizontal ( 2) = 45°, horizontal range
(R2) = R + 24 m (where R is the horizontal range).
Let u = Velocity of projection, and
= Angle of projection to hit the mark.

We know that horizontal range of the projectile when 15 ,

u 2 sin 2 1 u 2 sin (2 15 )
R1
g g
u 2 sin 30 u 2 0.5 ...(i)
( R – 12)
g g
2 2
u sin 2 2 u sin (2 45 )
Similarly R2
g g
u 2 sin 90 u2 1 ...(ii)
(R 24)
g g
Dividing equation (i) by (ii),
R – 12 0.5
R 24 1 or R – 12 = 0.5R + 12

24
0.5 R = 12 + 12 = 24 or R 48 m
0.5
Substituting the value of R in equation (i),

u2 0.5 u2
48 – 12
g 2g
u2 = 36 × 2g = 72g
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We know that the horizontal distance between the point of projection and the mark (R),
u 2 sin 2 (72 g ) sin 2
48 72 sin 2
g g
48
or sin 2 0.667 or 2 = 41.8°
72
= 20.9° Ans.
A projectile fired from the edge of a 150 m high cliff with an initial velocity
of 180 m/s at an angle of elevation of 30° with the horizontal. Neglecting air resistance find :
1. The greatest elevation above the ground reached by the projectile ; and
2. Horizontal distance from the gun to the point, where the projectile strikes the ground.
Given : Height of cliff = 150 m ; Velocity of projection (u) = 180 m/s and angle of
projection with the horizontal ( ) = 30°.

1. The greatest elevation above the ground reached by the projectile

We know that maximum height to which the projectile will rise above the edge O of the cliff,
u 2 sin 2 (180) 2 sin 2 30 (180) 2 (0.5) 2
H 413.3 m
2g 2 9.8 19.6
Greatest elevation above the ground reached by the projectile,
s = 413.3 + 150 = 563.3 m Ans.
2. The horizontal distance from the gun to the point, where the projectile strikes the ground.
First of all, consider motion of the projectile from the edge of the cliff to the maximum
height. We know that the time taken by the projectile to reach maximum height from the edge of the
cliff,
u sin 180 sin 30 180 0.5
t1 9.2 s
g 9.8 9.8
Now consider vertical motion of the projectile from the maximum height to the ground
due to gravitational acceleration only. In this case, u = 0 and s = 563.3 m.
Let t2 = Time taken by the projectile to reach the ground from the
maximum height.
We know that the vertical distance (s),
1 2 1
563.3 u t2 g t2 0 9.8 t22 4.9 t22
2 2
563.3
or t2 115 or t2 10.7 s ...(ii)
4.9
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Chapter 20 : Projectiles
Total time taken by the projectile to reach the ground from the edge of the cliff
= t1 + t 2 = 9.2 + 10.7 = 19.9 s
and horizontal distance from the gun to the point, where the projectile strikes the ground,
R = Horizontal components of velocity × Time
= 180 cos 30° × 19.9 = (180 × 0.866) × 19.9 m
= 3102 m = 3.102 km Ans.
A bullet is fired upwards at an angle of 30° to the horizontal from a point P on
a hill, and it strikes a target which is 80 m lower than P. The initial velocity of bullet is 100 m/s.
Calculate the actual velocity with which the bullet will strike the target.
Given : Angle of projection with the horizontal ( ) = 30° and initial velocity of
projection (u) = 100 m/s

We know that the maximum height to which the bullet will rise above the horizontal,

u 2 sin 2 (100) 2 sin 2 30 (100) 2 (0.5) 2

H = 127.6 m
2g 2 9.8 19.6
First of all, consider motion of the bullet to reach maximum height. We know that time taken
by the bullet to reach maximum height,
u sin 100 sin 30 100 0.5
t1 = 5.1 s ...(i)
g 9.8 9.8
Now consider vertical motion of the bullet from the maximum height to the target due to
gravitational acceleration only.
In this case, initial velocity (u) = 0 and total distance (s) = 127.6 + 80 = 207.6 m.
Let t2 = Time taken by the bullet to reach the target from the maximum
height.
We know that the vertical distance (s),
1 1
207.6 u t2 g t22 (0 t2 ) 9.8 t22 4.9 t22
2 2
207.6
t22 42.4 or t2 = 6.5 s ...(ii)
4.9
Total time required for the flight of the bullet
= t1 + t2 = 5.1 + 6.5 = 11.6 s
We know that final velocity of the bullet in the vertical direction, when it strikes the target
(i.e. after 6.5 seconds),
v = u + gt = (0) + (9.8 × 6.5) = 63.7 m/s
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and horizontal component of the initial velocity of the bullet
= u cos = 100 cos 30° = 100 × 0.866 = 86.6 m/s
Actual velocity with which the bullet will strike the target

(63.7) 2 (86.6) 2 107.5 m/s Ans.

A shot is fired with a velocity if 30 m/s from a point 15 metres in front of a
vertical wall 6 metres high. Find the angle of projection, to the horizontal for the shot just to clear the
top of the wall.
Given : Initial velocity = 30 m/s; Distance of point of projection from wall (OB) =
15 m and height of the wall AB = 6 m.
Let = Angle of projection.
Vertical component of the velocity of the projection 30 cos
First of all, consider vertical motion of the shot. Let the
bullet take t seconds to cross the wall. In order to enable the
shot just to clear the top of the wall, it must rise 6 metres high
in t seconds. In this case, s = 6 m and u = 30 sin
We know that vertical distance travelled by the shot (s),

1 2 1
6 ut – gt (30 sin )t – 9.8 t 2
2 2
= (30 sin ) t – 4.9 t2 ...(i)
Now consider the horizontal motion of the shot. In or-
der to enable the shot just to clear the top of the wall, it must
traverse 15 m in t seconds.
15 = Horizontal velocity × Time = (30 cos ) t
15 0.5
or t ...(ii)
30 cos cos
Substituting the value of t in equation (i),
2
0.5 0.5
6 30 sin – 4.9
cos cos
1
6 = 15 tan – 1.225 sec2 ... sec 2
cos 2
= 15 tan – 1.225 (1 + tan2 ) ...( sec2 = 1 + tan2 )
= 15 tan – 1.225 – 1.225 tan2
or 1.225 tan2 – 15 tan + 7.225 = 0
This is quadratic equation in tan .

15 152 – 4 1.225 7.225

tan 11.74 or 0.5
2 1.225
or = 85.1° or 26.6° Ans.
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Chapter 20 : Projectiles
Find the least initial velocity which a projectile may have, so that it may
clear a wall 3.6 m high and 4.8 m distant (from the point of projection) and strike the horizontal
plane through the foots of the wall at a distance 3.6 m beyond the wall. The point of projection is at
the same level as the foot of the wall.
Given : Height of wall = 3.6 m ; Distance of
the wall from the point of projection (OB) = 4.8 m and distance
of strike point from the foot of the wall (BC) = 3.6 m.
Let u = Initial velocity of
projection, and
= Angle of projection.
We know that the range OC of the projectile (R),
u 2 sin 2
4.8 3.6
g
u2 2 sin cos
8.4 ...( sin 2 = 2 sin cos )
g
8.4 g 4.2 g
u2 ...(i)
2sin cos sin cos
and equation of the path of trajectory,
gx2
y x tan – 2
2u cos2
Substituting the value of x = 4.8 m and y = 3.6 m in the above equation,
g (4.8)2
3.6 4.8 tan – 2
2u cos2
11.52 g 1
4.8 tan – 2
cos u2
Now substituting the value of u2 from equation (i),
11.52 g 1
3.6 4.8 tan –
cos2 4.2 g
sin cos
= 4.8 tan – 2.74 tan = 2.06 tan
3.6 or = 60.2°
tan 1.748
2.06
and now substituting the value of in equation (i),
4.2 9.8 41.16
u2 95.5
sin 60.2 cos 60.2 0.8681 0.4965
or u = 9.77 m/s Ans.
Two guns are pointed at each other, one upward at an angle of 30°, and
the other at the same angle of depreesion the muzzles being 30 m apart. If the guns are shot with
velocities of 350 m/s upwards and 300 m/s downwards respectively, find when and where they will
meet ?
Given : Angle of projection of both the guns ( ) = 30° ; Velocity of projection
of first gun (vA) = 350 m/s ; Velocity of projection of second gun (vB) = 300 m/s and distance between
the muzzles = 30 m
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Time when the shots meet after they leave the guns
Let the two shots meet at C as shown in Fig. 20.12.
Now let t = Time in seconds, when the two shots meet after they leave the
guns.
x = Horizontal distance between A and C
y = Vertical distance between A and C
Horizontal distance between A and B (i.e. AD)
30 3
30 cos 30 15 3 m
2
We know that distance covered by the shot A in t seconds,
x = Horizontal component of vA × t
3
350 cos 30 t 350 t 175 3 t ...(i)
2
Similarly, distance covered by the shot B in t seconds
3
(15 3 – x) 300 cos 30 t 300 t 150 3 t ...(ii)
2
Adding equation (i) and (ii),
15 3 175 3 t 150 3 t
or 15 = 175 t + 150 t = 325 t
15
t 0.046 s Ans.
325
Point where the two shots meet
Substituting this value of t in equation (i),
x 175 3 0.046 13.94 m Ans.
We know that vertical component of vA
= 350 sin 30° = 300 × 0.5 = 175 m/s
Vertical distance between A and C
1 1
y ut – gt 2 (175 0.046) – 9.8 (0.046)2 m
2 2
= 8.04 m Ans.
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Chapter 20 : Projectiles

EXERCISE 20.2
1. A bullet is fired at an angle of 45° with the horizontal with a velocity of 275 m/s. How
high the bullet will rise above the ground and what will be its horizontal range ? Take g
= 9.8 m/s2 (Ans. 1928.6 m ; 7716.8 m)
2. A bullet is fired at such an angle, over a horizontal plane, that its horizontal range is
equal to its greatest height. Find the angle of projection. (Ans. 75° 58')
3. Find the angle of projection which will give a horizontal range equal to 3/4 th of the
maximum range for the same velocity of projection. (Ans. 24° 18' ; 65° 42')
4. A cricket ball, shot by a batsman from a height of 1.8 m at an angle of 30° with horizontal
with a velocity of 18 m/s is caught by a fields man at a height of 0.6 m from the ground.
How far apart were the two players ? (Ans. 30.56 m)
5. A jet of water, discharged from a nozzle, hits a screen 6 m away at a height of 4 m above
the centre of a nozzle. When the screen is moved 4 m further away, the jet hits it again at
the same point. Assuming the curve described by the jet to be parabolic, find the angle at
which the jet is projected. (Ans. 46° 51')
6. A bird is sitting on the top of a tree 10 m high. With what velocity should a person,
standing at a distance of 25 m from the tree, throws a stone at an angle of 30° with the
horizontal so as to hit the bird ? (Ans. 30.35 m/s)
7. A projectile is fired from a point at 125 m/s so as to strike a point at a horizontal distance
of 1000 m and 200 m higher than the point of firing. Neglecting air resistance, calculate
(i) the angle with the horizontal, at which the projectile should be fired in order to strike
the point in minimum time, and (ii) time taken by the projectile to strike the point.
(Ans. 32° 46' ; 9.5 s)

Consider a projectile projected from O as shown in Fig. 20.13.

Let u = Initial velocity of projection, and
= Angle of projection with the horizontal.
After t seconds, let the projectile reach at any point P, as shown
in Fig. 20.13.
Now let v = Velocity of the projectile at P, and
= Angle, which the projectile at P makes
with the horizontal.
We know that the vertical component of the initial velocity
u sin
and vertical component of the final velocity after t seconds
v sin
This change in velocity (i.e., from u sin to v sin ) is because of the retardation (g) due
to gravity
v sin = u sin – gt ...(i)
...(Minus sign due to upward direction)
We also know that the horizontal component of these two velocities does not change. Therefore
v cos = u cos ...(ii)
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Squaring the equations (i) and (ii) and adding the same,
v2 sin2 + v2 cos2 = u2 sin2 + g2 t2 – 2u (sin ) gt + u2 cos2
v2 (sin2 + cos2 ) = u2 (sin2 + cos2 ) + g2 t2 – 2u (sin ) gt
or = u2 + g2 t2 – 2u (sin ) gt ...( sin2 + cos2 = 1)
v u 2 g 2 t 2 – 2u (sin ) gt
The angle which the projectile makes with horizontal at P may be found out by dividing the
equation (i) by (ii), i.e.
v sin u sin – gt
v cos u cos
u sin – gt Vertical velocity after t seconds
tan
u cos Horizontal component of initial velocity
A projectile is fired with a velocity of 80 m/s at an elevation of 65°. Find its
velocity and direction after 5 seconds of firing.
Given : Initial velocity of projection (u) = 80 m/s ; Angle of projection with the
horizontal ( ) = 65° and time (t) = 5 s.
Velocity of the projectile
We know that velocity of the projectile,
v u2 g2 t 2 – 2u (sin ) gt.

802 (9.8)2 (5)2 – 2 80 (sin 65 ) 9.8 5 m/s

6400 2401–160 0.9063 49 m/s
1696 41.2 m/s Ans.
Direction of the projectile
Let = Angle which the projectile makes with the horizontal.
u sin – gt 80 sin 65 – 9.8 5 (80 0.9063) – 49
We also know that tan
u cos 80 cos 65 80 0.4226
= 0.6952 or = 34.8° Ans.
A particle is projected upwards with a velocity of 100 m/s at an angle of
45° to the horizontal. When it reaches a certain point P, it is found to be moving at an angle of 30° to
the horizontal. Find the time for the particle to reach the point P and distance OP.
Given : Initial velocity of projectile (u) = 100 m/s ; Angle of projection ( ) = 45°
and angle of projection at point P ( ) = 30°
Let t = Time for the particle to reach the point P from O.
u sin – gt
We know tha tan
u cos
100 sin 45 – 9.8 t
tan 30
100 cos 45
(100 0.707) – 9.8 t
0.5774
100 0.707
40.82 = 70.7 – 9.8 t
70.7 – 40.82
t 3.05 s Ans.
9.8
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Chapter 20 : Projectiles
Distance OP
First of all, consider the horizontal motion of the particle. We know that the horizontal
distance OA
x = Horizontal component of velocity × Time
= 100 cos 45° × 3.05 = 100 × 0.707 × 3.05 = 215.6 m ...(i)
Now consider vertical motion of the particle. We know that vertical component of the velocity.
uy = 100 sin 45° = 100 × 0.707 = 70.7 m
1 2 1
and vertical distance AP, y uyt – .gt (70.7 3.05) – 9.8 (3.05) 2
2 2
= 215.6 – 45.6 = 170 m

Distance OP (215.6)2 (170)2 274.6 m Ans.

A projectile is fired with a velocity of 500 m/s at an elevation of 35°.
Neglecting air friction, find the velocity and direction of the projectile moving after 29 seconds and
30 seconds of firing.
Given : Velocity of projection (u) = 500 m/s and angle of projection ( ) = 35°
Velocity of the projectile after 29 and 30 seconds of firing
We know that velocity of projectile after 29 seconds

u2 g 2t 2 – 2u (sin ) gt

v39 (500)2 (9.8)2 (29)2 – (2 500 (sin 35 ) 9.8 29)

(250 000 80770) – (1000 0.5736 284.2) m/s

= 409.58 m/s Ans.

Similarly v30 (500)2 (9.8)2 (30)2 – (2 500 (sin 35 ) 9.8 30)

250 000 86440 – 1000 0.5736 294 m/s

= 409.64 m/s Ans.
Direction of the projectile after 29 and 30 seconds
We know that the angle, which the projectile makes with the horizontal after 29 seconds,
u sin – gt (500 sin 35°) – (9.8 × 29)
tan 29
u cos 500 cos 35
(500 0.5736) – 284.2
0.00635
500 0.8192
or 29 0.36 Ans.
(500 sin 35 ) – (9.8 30) (500 0.5736) – 294.0
Similarly tan 30
500 cos 35 500 0.8192
= – 0.0176 or 30 –1
Minus sign means that the projectile is moving downwards after reaching the
highest point.
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A particle is projected upwards with a velocity of 100 m/s at an angle of
30° with the horizontal.
Find the time, when the particle will move perpendicular to its initial direction.
Given : Initial velocity of projection (u) = 100 m/s and angle of projection
with the horizontal ( ) = 30°

Let t = Time from the instant of projection, when the particle will
move perpendicular to its initial direction.
We know that when the particle will move perpendicular to its initial direction, it will make an
angle of 90° – 30° = 60° with the horizontal, but in the downward direction as shown in Fig. 20.14.
Therefore actual angle,
= (– 60°) ...(Minus sign due to downward)
We also know that the angle, which the particle makes with the horizontal after t seconds ( ),
u sin – gt 100 sin 30 – 9.8t
tan (– 60 )
u cos 100 cos 30
(100 0.5) – 9.8t 50 – 9.8t
– 1.732
100 0.866 86.6
– 150 = 50 – 9.8 t
50 150
t 20.4 s Ans.
9.8

Consider a projectile projected from O as shown in Fig. 20.16.

Let u = Initial velocity of projection, and
= Angle of projection with the
horizontal.
After reaching a height h, let the projectile reach at any point P
as shown in Fig. 20.15.
Let v = Velocity of the projectile at P, and
= Angle, which the projectile at P
makes with the horizontal.
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Chapter 20 : Projectiles
We know that the vertical component of initial velocity
= u sin
and vertical component of the final velocity after t seconds
= v sin
This change in velocity (i.e. from u sin to v sin ) is becasue of the retardation (g) due to
gravity.
v2 sin2 = u2 sin2 – 2gh ...( v2 = u2 – 2as) ...(i)

or v sin u 2 sin 2 – 2 gh ...(ii)

We also know that the horizontal component of these two velocities does not change.
v cos = u cos ...(iii)
Squaring equation (iii) and adding to equation (i),
v2 sin2 + v2 cos2 = u2 sin2 – 2gh + u2 cos2
v2 (sin2 + cos ) = u2 (sin2
+ cos2 ) – 2gh
or v2 = u2 – 2gh ...( sin2 + cos2 = 1)

v u 2 – 2 gh
This angle which the particle makes with the horizontal at P may be found out by dividing the
equation (ii) by (iii) i.e.,

v sin u 2 sin 2 – 2 gh
v cos u cos
Vertical velocity at a height h
tan
Horizontal component of initial velocity

A body is projected upwards with a velocity of 50 m/s at angle of 50° with

the horizontal. What will be its (i) velocity and (ii) direction at a height of 30 m from the point of
projection.
Given : Initial velocity of projection (u) = 50 m/s ; Angle of projection ( ) = 50°
and height (h) = 30 m.
(i) Velocity of the projectile
We know that velocity of the projectile,
v u 2 – 2 gh (50)2 – (2 9.8 30) = 43.7 m/s Ans.
(ii) Direction of the projectile
Let = Angle which the projectile makes with the horizontal.

u2 sin2 – 2gh (50)2 sin2 50 – 2 9.8 30

We also know that tan
u cos 50 cos 50

2500 (0.766)2 – 588

0.9224
50 0.6428
or = 42.7° Ans.
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The velocity of a particle, at its greatest height is 2 / 5 times of its velocity

at half of its greatest height. Show that the angle of projection is 60°.
Given : Velocity of the particle at its greatest height = 2 / 5 × Velocity at half of its
greatest height.
Let u = Initial velocity of projection, and
= Angle of projection with the horizontal.
We know that velocity of a projectile at its greatest height
= Horizontal component of velocity of projection
= u cos ...(i)
We also know that the maximum height of projection.

u 2 sin 2
2g

1 u2 sin2 u2 sin2
and half of the greatest height h
2 2g 4g
Velocity of projectile at half of the greatest height,

u 2 sin 2
v u 2 – 2 gh u2 – 2g
4g

u 2 sin 2
u2 – ...(ii)
2
Now substituting the values from equations (i) and (ii) in the given equation,
2 u 2 sin 2 2 2u2 – u2 sin2
u cos u2 –
5 2 5 2
Squaring both sides,
2 2u2 – u2 sin2 u2 (2 – sin2 )
u2 cos2
5 2 5
5 cos2 = 2 – sin2
or 5 (1 – sin2 ) = 2 – sin2 ...(sin2 + cos2 = 1)
3
4 sin 2 3 or sin 2 0.75
4
sin = 0.866 or = 60° Ans.

Consider a projectile projected from O on an upward inclined plane OA. Let the projectile
strike B as shown in Fig. 20.17.
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Chapter 20 : Projectiles
Let u = Initial velocity of projection,
= Angle of projection with the horizontal.
= Inclination of the plane OA with the horizontal,
R = Range of flight from O to B, and
t = Time of flight from O to B.
Component of initial velocity, normal to the plane OA
= u sin ( – ) ...(i)
We know that acceleration due to gravity normal to the plane OA
= g cos ...(ii)
and acceleration due to gravity along the plane OA
= g sin ...(iii)
Now consider the motion of the projectile normal to the plane. We know that distance covered
by the projectile normal to the plane OA is zero. Therefore substituting these values in the general
equation of motion, i.e.
1
s u t – g t2
2
1
0 u sin ( – ) t – ( g cos ) t 2
2
1
or 0 u sin ( – ) – g (cos ) t ... (Dividing both sides by t)
2
2u sin ( – )
t
g cos
When the projectile is projected on a downward inclined plane, the time of flight may
be found out by substituting – instead of + in the above equation. Therefore time of flight in this
case,

2u sin ( ) ... [ cos (– ) = cos ]

t
g cos
A ball is projected from a point with a velocity of 10 m/s on an inclined
plane. the angle of projection and inclination of the plane are 35° and 15° respectively with the
horizontal. Find the time of flight of the ball, when it is projected upwards and downwards the plane.
Given : Velocity of projection (u) = 10 m/s ; Angle of projection with the horizontal
( ) = 35° and inclination of the plane ( ) = 15°
Time of flight when the ball is projected upwards
We know that time of flight when the ball is projected upwards,

2u sin ( – ) 2 10 sin (35 – 15 ) 20sin 20

t1 s
g cos 9.8 cos 15 9.8cos15

20 0.342
0.72 s Ans.
9.8 0.9659
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Time of flight when the ball is projected downwards.
We also know that time of flight when the ball is projected downwards,

2u sin ( ) 2 10 sin (35 15 ) 20 sin 50

t2
g cos 9.8 cos 15 9.8 cos 15

20 0.766
1.62 s Ans.
9.8 0.9659

EXERCISE 20.3
1. A shot is fired with a velocity of 420 m/s at an elevation of 32°. Find the velocity and
direction of the shot after 20 seconds of its firing. (Ans. 4° 16’)
2. A stone is projected with a velocity 21 m/s at an angle of 30° with the horizontal. Find its
velocity at a height of 5 m from the point of projection. Also find the interval of time
between two points at which the stone has the same velocity of 20 m/s.
(Ans. 18.52 m/s ; 1.69 s)

We have already discussed in Art. 20.11. that the time of flight,

2u sin ( – )
t
g cos
and horizontal components of the range,
OC = Horizontal component of velocity × Time
2u sin ( – ) 2u2 sin ( – ) cos
u cos
g cos g cos
Actual range on the inclined plane,

OC 2u2 sin ( – ) cos 2u 2 sin ( – ) cos

R
cos g cos cos g cos2

u2
2 cos sin ( – )
g cos 2
u2
sin (2 – ) – sin ...(i)
g cos 2 B
...[ 2 cos A sin B = sin (A + B) – sin (A – B)]
From the above equation, we find that for the given values of u and , the range will be
maximum, when sin (2 – ) is maximum (as the values of u, g and are constant). We know that
for maximum value of sine of any angle, the angle must be equal to 90° or /2.

(2 – ) or
2 4 2
Or in other words, the range on the given plane is maximum, when the direction of projection
bisects the angle between the vertical and inclined plane.
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Chapter 20 : Projectiles
Now for maximum range, substituting the value of in equation (i),
2
u
Rmax sin 2 – – sin
g cos2 4 2

u2
sin – – sin
g cos2 2

u2
sin – sin
g cos2 2
u2
1 – sin ... sin 1
g cos 2 2
u2 (1– sin )
...( sin2 + cos2 = 1)
g (1– sin2 )
u2
g (1 sin )
1. When the projectile is projected on a downward inclined plane, then the range of flight
will be given by substituting – instead of + in the above equation. Therefore range of
flight in this case,
u2
R sin (2 ) sin
g cos2
2. When the projectile is projected on a downward inclined plane, the range will be maxi-
mum, when

–
2 2
3. When the projectile is projected on a downward inclined plane,the value of maximum
range will be
u2
Rmax
g (1 – sin )
A particle is projected from a point, on an inclined plane,with a velocity of
30 m/s. The angle of projection and the angle of plane are 55° and 20° to the horizontal respectively.
Show that the range up the plane is maximum one for the given plane. Find the range and the time of
flight of the particle.
. Given : Velocity of projection (u) = 30 m/s ; Angle of projection with the horizontal
( ) = 55° and angle of plane ( ) = 20°
Maximum Range
We know that for maximum range, the angle of projection,
180 20
55
4 2 4 2
Since the given angle of projection is 55°, therefore range up the plane is maximum one for
the given plane. Ans.
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Range of the projectile
We know that range of the projectile,
u2
R sin (2 – ) – sin m
g cos 2
(30)2
sin (2 55 – 20 ) – sin 20 m
9.8 cos2 20
900
sin 90 – sin 20 m
9.8 (0.9397)2
= 104.0 (1 – 0.3420) = 68.43 m Ans.
Time of flight
We also know that the time of flight,

2u sin ( – ) 2 30 sin (55 – 20 ) 60 sin 35

t s
g cos 9.8 cos 20 9.8 cos 20
60 0.5736
3.74 s Ans.
9.8 0.9397
Since the angle of projection is for the maximum range, therefore the range may also
be found out from the relation :
u2 (30) 2 900
R m
g (1 sin ) 9.8 (1 sin 20 ) 9.8 (1 0.3420)
= 68.43 m Ans.
A plane has a rise of 5 in 12. A shot is projected with a velocity of 200 m/s at
an elevation of 30°. Find the range of the plane, if (a) the shot is fired up the plane, (b) the shot is fired
down the plane.
Given : tan = 5/12 = 0.4167 or = 22.6° ; Velocity of projection with the
horizontal (u) = 200 m/s and angle of projection ( ) = 30°.
(a) Range of the plane, when the shot is fired up the plane
We know that range of the plane, when the shot is fired up the plane,
u2
R1 sin (2 – ) – sin
g cos 2
(200)2
sin (2 30 – 22.6 ) – sin 22.6
9.8 cos 2 22.6
40 000
sin 37.4 – sin 22.6
9.8 (0.9231) 2
= 4790 (0.6072 – 0.3846) = 1066 m Ans.
(b) Range of the plane, when the shot is fired down the plane
We know that range of the plane, when the shot is fired down the plane,
u2
R2 sin (2 ) sin
g cos2
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Chapter 20 : Projectiles

(200)2
R2 sin (2 30 22.6 ) sin 22.6
9.8 cos 2 22.6
40 000
sin 82.6 sin 22.6 m
9.8 (0.9231)2
= 4790 (0.9917 + 0.3846) = 6592 m Ans.

EXERCISE 20.4
1. A player can throw a cricket ball 100 m on a level ground. Find the distance through
which he can throw the same ball from the top of hill at angle of 52° 30’, if slope of the hill
is 15°. (Ans. 120.5 m)
2. A shot is fired with a velocity of 100 m/s at an angle of 45° with the horizontal on a plane
inclined at an angle of 30° with the horizontal. Find the maximum range of the shot.
(Ans. 680.3 m)
3. A projectile is projected up a plane of inclination ( ) with an initial velocity of (u) at an
angle ( ) to the horizontal. Show that condition for the projectile to strike the inclined
plane at right angles is
cot = 2 tan ( – ).

QUESTIONS
1. What is a projectile ? Give an example of a projectile.
2. Define the terms : velocity of projection and angle of projection.
3. Obtain an equation for the trajectory of a projectile, and show that it is a parabola.
4. Derive an expression for the maximum height and range of a projectile traversed by a
stone, thrown with an initial velocity of u and an inclination of .
5. At what angle,the projectile should be projected in order to have maximum range ? Justify
your answer by calculations.
6. Derive a relation for the velocity and direction of motion of a projectile :
(a) after a given interval of time t from the instant of projection.
(b) at a given height h above the point of projection.
7. How would you find out (a) time of flight (b) range of a projectile, when projected
upwards on an inclined plane ?
What happens to the above equations, when the same projectile is projected on the same
plane, but in a downward direction ?

OBJECTIVE TYPE QUESTIONS

1. The path of a projectile is not a parabola.
(a) True (b) False
2. The time of flight of a projectile on a horizontal plane is
2 u sin 2 u cos 2 u sin u cos 2
(a) (b) (c) (d)
g g 2g 2g
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3. The horizontal range of a projectile is
u sin 2 u 2 sin 2 u sin 2 u 2 sin 2
(a) (b) (c) (d)
g g 2g 2g
4. The horizontal range of a projectile is maximum when the angle of projectile is
(a) 30° (b) 45° (c) 60° (d) 75°
5. The maximum height of a projectile on a horizontal range is
u 2 sin 2 u 2 sin u 2 sin 2 2 u 2 sin 2
(a) (b) (c) (d)
2g 2g 2g 2g
6. The time of flight of a projectile on un upward inclined plane depends upon
(a) angle of projection (b) angle of inclination of the plane
(c) both ‘a’ and ‘ b’ (d) none of the above
7. The range of projectile on a downward inclined plane is .............the range on upward
inclined plane for the same velocity of projection and angle of projection.
(a) less than (b) equal to (c) more than

ANSWERS
1. (b) 2. (a) 3. (b) 4. (b) 5. (d) 6. (c) 7. (c)