Projectiles 6A

In this exercise, the positive direction is considered to be downwards.

1 a R(↓): uy = 0, t = 5 s, a = g = 9.8 ms−2, s = h

s ut + 12 at 2
=
h = 0 + 1 × 9.8 × 52
2
= 122.5
The height h is 122.5 m.

b R(→): ux = 20 ms−1, t = 5 s, s = x
s = vt
x 20 × 5
=
= 100
The particle travels a horizontal distance of 100 m.

2 a R(→): ux = 18 ms−1, t = 2 s, s = x

s = vt
x= 18 × 2
= 36
R(↓): uy = 0, t = 2 s, a = g = 9.8 ms−2, s = y
s ut + 1 at 2
=
2
h = 0 + 1 × 9.8 × 22
2
= 19.6
The horizontal and vertical components of the displacement are 36 m and 19.6 m respectively.

b d=
2
362 + 19.62
=d = 1680.16 40.989...
The distance from the starting point is 41.0 m (3s.f.).

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3 R(↓): uy = 0, a = g = 9.8 ms−2, s = 160 m, t = ?

s ut + 1 at 2
=
2
1
160 = 0 + × 9.8 × t 2
2
160
t2 =
4.9
40
t= ±
7
The negative root can be ignored.
R(→): ux = U, t = 40 s, s = 95 m
7
s = vt
40
95= U ×
7
7 × 95
=U = 16.625
40
The projection speed is 16.6 ms−1 (3s.f.).

4 R (↓)
u = 0,
= s 16,
= a 9.8,= t ?
s ut + 1 at 2
=
2
16= 0 + 4.9t 2
16
t 2 = 3.265...
=
4.9
t = 1.807
Let the speed of the projection be
R ( →)
s = ut
140= u × 1.807...
140
u=
1.807...
= 77.475
The speed of projection of the particle is
77.5 m s −1 (3 s.f.)

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5 Whilst particle is on the table:

s = vt
2 20 × t
=
t = 0.1
Once particle leaves the table:
R(↓) uy = 0, a = g = 9.8 ms−2, s = 1.2 m, t = ?
s ut + 1 at 2
=
2
1.2 = 0 + 1 × 9.8 × t 2
2
1.2
t2 =
4.9
t = ±0.49487...
The negative root can be ignored.
The total time the particle takes to reach the floor is 0.1 + 0.49 = 0.59 s (2s.f.).

6 R(↓) uy = 0, a = g = 9.8 ms−2, s = 9 cm = 0.09 m, t = ?

s ut + 1 at 2
=
2
0.09 = 0 + 1 × 9.8 × t 2
2
0.09
t2 =
4.9
t = ±0.13552...
The negative root can be ignored.
R(→): ux = 14 ms−1, t = 0.13552… s, s = x
s = vt
x= 14 × 0.13552...
x = 1.8973...
The dart is thrown from a point 1.90 m (3s.f.) from the board.

7 a Once particle leaves the surface:

R(↓) uy = 0, a = g = 9.8 ms−2, s = 1.2 m, t = ?

s ut + 1 at 2
=
2
1.2 = 0 + 1 × 9.8 × t 2
2
1.2
t2 =
4.9
t = ±0.49487...
Total travel time is 1.0 s, so particle is in contact with the surface for 1.0 – 0.49 = 0.51 s (2s.f.).

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7 b Considering forces acting on particle while on surface:
R(↓): R = mg

R(→): F = ma
− µ R ma =
= since F FMAX
− µ mg = ma
a = −µ g (1)
Use equations of motion to calculate the acceleration of the particle
whilst on the surface:
s = 2 m, u = 5 ms−1, t = 0.50513… s, a = ?
s ut + 1 at 2
=
2
(
2 = (5 × 0.50513...) + 1 × a × 0.50513...2
2 )
0.12757... × a = 2 − 2.5256...
−0.52564...
a=
0.12757...
a = −4.1201... ( 2)

Substitute (2) in (1):

−4.1201... = −µ g
−4.1201... = −9.8 × µ
µ = 0.42042...
The coefficient of friction is 0.42 (2s.f.).

c While particle is on the surface: s = 2 m, u = 5 ms−1, t = 0.50513… s, v = U

s = 1 (u + v)t
2
1
2 = (5 + U )0.50513…
2
4
5 +U =
0.50513...
= U 7.9187... − 5 = 2.9187...
Considering horizontal motion of particle once it has left the surface:
R(→): ux = U = 2.9187 … ms−1, t = 0.495 s, s = x
s = vt
=x 2.9187... × 0.495
x = 1.4447...
The total distance travelled = 1.4447… + 2 = 3.44 (3 s.f.)

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Projectiles 6B
1 a Components of velocity (3s.f.):
u x  25cos 40
 19.2 ms 1
u y  25sin 40
 16.1 ms 1

b u = (19.2i + 16.1j) ms−1

2 a Components of velocity (3s.f.):

u x  18cos 20
 16.9 ms 1
u y  18sin 20
 6.15 ms 1

b u = (16.9i − 6.15j) ms−1

3 a tan   5 so sin   5 and cos   12

12 13 13
Components of velocity (3s.f.):
u x  35cos 
12
 35 
13
 32.3 ms 1
u y  35sin 
5
 35 
13
 13.5 ms 1

b u = (32.3i + 13.5j) ms−1

4 a tan   7 so sin   7 and cos   24

24 25 25
Components of velocity (3s.f.):
u x  28cos 
 26.9 ms 1
u y  28sin 
 7.8 ms 1

b u = (26.9i – 7.8j) ms−1

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5 Speed is magnitude of velocity:

u  62  92
 10.816...
The initial speed of the particle is 10.8 ms−1 (3 s.f.).
9
tan  
6
  56.309...
Particle is projected at an angle of 56.3o above the horizontal
(3 s.f.).

6 Speed is magnitude of velocity:

u  4 2  52
 6.4031...
The initial speed of the particle is 6.40 ms−1 (3 s.f.).
5
tan  
4
  51.340...
Particle is projected at an angle of 51.3o below the horizontal (3 s.f.).

7 a Let the angle of projection be α

2k 2
tan   
3k 3
   33.690...
The angle of projection is 33.7o (3s.f.).

b Speed = magnitude of velocity, so:

3 13    3k    2k 
2 2 2

9 13  9k 2  4k 2
117  13k 2
k2  9
k  3

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Projectiles 6C
Unless otherwise stated, the positive direction is upwards.

1 Resolving the initial velocity vertically:

( )
R ↑ , u y = 35sin 60°
u = 35sin 60°, v = 0, a = −9.8, t = ?
v = u + at
0 = 35sin 60° − 9.8t
35sin 60°
t=
9.8
= 3.092...
The time the particle takes to reach its greatest height is 3.1 s (2 s.f.).

2 Resolving the initial velocity vertically:

( )
R ↑ , uy = 18sin40°
u = 18 sin 40 °, a = − 9.8, t = 2, s = ?
s = ut + 1 at 2
2
= 18sin 40° × 2 − 4.9 × 2 2
= 3.540...
The height of the ball above the ground 2 s after projection is (5 + 3.5)m = 8.5m (2 s.f.).

3 Taking the downwards direction as positive.

Resolving the initial velocity horizontally and vertically:
R ( →) ux = 32cos10°
( )
R ↑ uy = 32sin10°

a R ↑( )
u = 32 sin 10 °, a = − 9.8, t = 2.5, s = ?
s = ut + 1 at 2
2
= 32sin10° × 2.5 + 4.9 × 2.52
= 44.517...
The stone is projected from 44.5 m above the ground.

b R ( →)
u = 32 cos10 °, t = 2.5, s = ?
s = vt
= 2.5 × 32cos10°
= 78.785...
The stone lands 78.8 m away from the point on the ground vertically below where it was projected
from.

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4 Resolving the initial velocity horizontally and vertically
R(→) ux = 150cos10°
()
R ↑ u y = 150sin10°

a R ↑( )
u = 150 sin 10 °, v = 0, a = − 9.8, t = ?
v = u + at
0 = 150sin10° − 9.8t
150sin10°
t=
9.8
= 2.657...
The time taken to reach the projectile’s highest point is 2.7 s (2 s.f.).

b First, resolve vertically to find the time of flight:

( )
R ↑ u = 150 sin 10 °, s = 0, a = − 9.8, t = ?
1
s = ut + at 2
2
0 = 150t sin10° − 4.9t 2
0 = t (150 sin10° − 4.9t )
150 sin10°
t = 0 s or t =
4.9
= 5.316... s

[Note that, alternatively, you can consider the symmetry of the projectile’s path:
The time of flight is twice as long as the time it takes to reach the highest point, that is
t = 2.657... × 2
= 5.315 s]

R(→)
u = 150 cos10 °, t = 5.315, s = ?
s = ut
= 150 cos10° × 5.315
= 785.250...
The range of the projectile is 790 m (2 s.f.).

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5 Resolving the initial velocity horizontally and vertically:
R(→) ux = 20cos 45° = 10 2
( )
R ↑ u y = 20sin 45° = 10 2

a R ↑( )
u = 10 2, v = 0, a = −9.8, s = ?
v 2 = u 2 + 2as
0 = 200 − 19.6s
200
s=
19.6
= 10.204...
The greatest height above the plane reached by the particle is 10 m (2 s.f.).

b To find the time taken to move from O to X, first find the time of flight:
R ↑( )
u =10 2, s = 0, a = −9.8, t = ?
s = ut + 1 at 2
2
0 = 10 2t − 4.9t 2
(
0 = t 10 2 − 4.9t )
10 2
t= (ignore t = 0)
4.9
= 2.886... s

R(→)
u = 10 2, t = 2.886.., s = ?
s = ut
= 10 2 × 2.886...
= 40.86...
⇒ OX = 41 m (2 s.f.)

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6 sinθ = 4 ⇒ cosθ =
3
5 5
Resolving the initial velocity horizontally and vertically
R(→) ux = 24cosθ = 14.4
( )
R ↑ u y = 24sin θ = 19.2

a R ↑( )
u = 19.2, s = 0, a = − 9.8, t = ?
s = ut + 1 at 2
2
0 = 19.2t − 4.9t 2
= t (19.2 − 4.9t )
19.2
t= (ignore t = 0)
4.9
= 3.918...
The time of flight of the ball is 3.9 s (2 s.f.).

b R(→)
u = 14.4, t = 3.918, s = ?
s = ut
= 14.4 × 3.918...
= 56.424...
AB = 56 m (2 s.f.)

7 Resolving the initial velocity vertically,

uy = 21sin α

( )
R ↑ : u = 2 1 si n α , v = 0, a = − 9.8, s = 1 5
v 2 = u 2 + 2as
0 = (21sin α )2 − 2 × 9.8 × 15
441sin 2 α = 294
294 2
sin 2 α = =
441 3
2
sin α = = 0.816
3
α = 54.736°
= 55° (nearest degree)

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8 a R(→)
u = 12, t = 3, s = ?
s = ut
= 12 × 3
= 36
( )
R ↑
u = 24, a = − g , t = 3, s = ?
s = ut + 1 at 2
2
= 24 × 3 − 4.9 × 9
= 27.9
The position vector of P after 3 s is (36 i + 27 .9 j) m

b R(→) ux = 12, throughout the motion

()
R ↑ v = u + at
v y = 24 − 9.8 × 3 = −5.4

Let the speed of P after 3 s be V m s −1

V 2 = u x2 + v y2
= 122 + (−5.4) 2
= 173.16
V = 173.16
= 13.159...
−1
The speed of P after 3 s is 13 m s (2 s.f.).

9 Let α be the angle of projection above the horizontal. Resolving the initial velocity horizontally and
vertically.
R(→) ux = 30cos α
()
R ↑ u y = 30sin α

a R ↑ ( )
u = 30 sin α , s = − 20, a = − 9.8, t = 3.5
s = ut + 1 at 2
2
− 20 = 30 sin α × 3.5 − 4.9 × 3.52
4.9 × 3.52 − 20
sin α =
30 × 3.5
= 0.381190...
α = 22.407...°

The angle of projection of the stone is 22° (2 s.f.) above the horizontal.

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9 b R(→)
u = 30 sin 22.407... °, t = 3.5, s = ?
s = ut
= 30 sin 22.407...°× 3.5
= 97.072...

The horizontal distance from the window to the point where the stone hits the ground
is 97 m (2 s.f.).

10 tan θ = 3 ⇒ sin θ = 3 , cos θ = 4

4 5 5
Resolving the initial velocity horizontally and
vertically
R(→) ux = U cosθ = 4U
5
R ( ↑) u y = U sin θ = 3U
5

a R(→)
4U
u= , s = 20, t = ?
5
s = ut
4tU
20 =
5
25
t= (1)
U
( )
R ↑
3U
u= , s = 3, a = − g , t = ?
5
s = ut + 1 at 2
2
3 = 3U × t − 4.9t 2 (2)
5
Substituting t =
25 from (1) into (2):
U
2
3 = 3U × 25 − 4.9 × 252
5 U U
3062.5
3 = 15 −
U2
3062.5
⇒U2 =
12
= 255.208...
U = 15.975...
= 16 (2 s.f.)

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10 b R(→)
25
t=
U
25
=
15.975...
= 1.5649...
The time from the instant the ball is thrown to the instant that it strikes the wall is 1.6 s (2 s.f.).

11 a Resolve vertically for motion between A and B:

R ↑( )
u = 4 u , s = 20 − 12 = − 8, a = − g , t = 4
s = ut + 1 at 2
2
−8 = 4u × 4 − 4.9 × 4 2
4.9 × 42 − 8
u=
16
= 4 .4

b Resolve horizontally for motion between A and B:

R(→)
u = 5u = 5 × 4.4 = 22, t = 4, s = k
s = ut
k = 22 × 4
= 88

c u x = 22 ms–1 throughout the motion.

Resolve vertically to find vy at C:
( )
R ↑
u = 4 × 4.4, a = − g , s = − 20, v = ?
v2 = u 2 + 2as
v2y = ( 4 × 4.4) + 2 × ( −9.8) × ( −20 )
2

= 16 × 4.42 + 392
= 701.76

Let θ be angle that the path of P makes with the x-axis as it reaches C.
vy
tan θ =
ux
701.76
=
22
= 1.204...
θ = 50.291...
The angle the path of P makes with the x-axis as it reaches C is 50° (2 s.f.).

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12 Take downwards as the positive direction.
Resolving the initial velocity horizontally and vertically:
R(→) ux = 30cos15°
( )
R ↑ u y = 30sin15°

a R ↓( )
u = 30 sin 15 °, s = 1 4, a = 9.8, t = ?
s = ut + 1 at 2
2
14 = 30t sin15 ° + 4.9t 2
4.9t 2 + 30t sin15° − 14 = 0
Using the formula for solving the quadratic,
−30sin15° (900sin 2 15 + 4 ×14 × 4.9)
t=
9.8
= 1.074... (the negative solution can be ignored)
The time the particle takes to travel from A to B is 1.1 s (2 s.f.).

b R(→)
u = 30 cos15 °, t = 1.074.., s = ?
s = ut
= ( 30 cos15° ) × 1.074
= 31.136...

AB2 = 142 + (31.136...)2

= 1165.456...
AB = 34.138...
The distance AB is 34 m (2 s.f.).

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13 Resolving the initial velocity horizontally and vertically
R(→) ux = U cosα
R ( ↑) uy = U sin α

To get one equation in U and α , resolve

vertically when particle reaches its maximum
height of 42 m:
( )
R ↑
u = U sin α , a = − g , s = 42, v = 0
v 2 = u 2 + 2as
0 = U 2 sin 2 α − 2 g × 42
U 2 sin 2 α = 84 g (1)

To get a second equation in U and α , we must resolve both horizontally and vertically to find
expressions for t when the particle hits the ground. We can then equate these expressions and
eliminate t:
R(→)
u = U cos α , s = 196, t = ?
s = ut
196 = U cos α × t
196
t= (* )
U cos α
( )
R ↑
u = U sin α , a = − g , s = 0, t = ?
s = ut + 1 at 2
2
0 = Ut sin α − 1 gt 2
2
(
= t U sin α − 1 gt
2 )
1 gt = U sin α (ignore t = 0)
2
2U sin α
t= (**)
g

(*) = (**):
196 2U sin α
=
U cos α g
U 2 sin α cos α = 98 g (2 )

Now we have two equations in U and α , (1) and (2), that we can solve simultaneously.
(1) ÷ (2):

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13 (cont.)
U 2 sin 2 α 84 g
=
U sin α cos α 98 g
2

6
tan α =
7
α = 40.6° (3 s.f.)
Sub α = 40.6° in (1):
U sin 40.6° = 84 g (discard the negative square root as U is a scalar, so must be positive)
84 × 9.8
U=
sin 40.6°
= 44 (2 s.f.)

14 tan α = 5 so sin α = 5 and cos α = 12

12 13 13
12
R(→): u x = U cos α = U
13
R(↑): u y = U sin α = 5 U
13

a Resolve horizontally to find time at which particle hits

the ground:
R(→): v = ux = 12 U ms−1, s = 42 m, t = ?
13
s = vt
12
42 = Ut
13
13 × 42
t=
12U
91
=
2U
Resolve vertically with t = 91 :
2U
R(↑): uy =
5 U , t = 91 , a = g = −10 , s = −25
13 2U
s = ut + 1 at 2
2
 1  91  
2
 5 91
− 25 =  U ×  +  − 10 ×   
 13 2U  2   2U  
2
35  91 
− 25 = − 5 
2  2U 

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14 a (cont.)
2
85  91 
= 5 
2  2U 
2
85  91 
= 
10  2U 
85 × 4U 2 = 10 × 912
82810
U=
340
= 15.606...
The speed of projection is 15.6 ms−1 (3s.f.).

b From a:
91
t=
2U
91
=
2 × 15.606...
= 2.9154...
The object takes 2.92 s (3s.f.) to travel from A to B.

c At 12.4 m above the ground:

vx = ux = 12 U ms−1 and
13
vy is found by resolving vertically with s = −25 + 12.4 = −12.6 m
R(↑): uy =
5 U , a = g = −10 , s = −12.6 m, v = v
y
13
v 2 = u 2 + 2 as
2
 5 
vy 2
=  U  + 2( −10)( −12.6)
 13 
2
 5 
vy 2
=  U  + 252
 13 

The speed at 12.4 m above the ground is given by:

v 2 = vx2 + v y2
2 2
 12   5 
v =  U  +  U  + 252
2

 13   13 
v 2 = U 2 + 252
v = 15.606...2 + 252
v = 22.261...
The speed of the object when it is 12.4 m above the ground is 22.3 ms−1 (3s.f).

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15 a First, resolve horizontally to find the time at which object
reaches P:
R(→): v = ux = 4 , s = k , t =?
s = vt
k = 4t
k
t=
4
Now resolve vertically at the instant when object reaches
P:
k
R(↑): u = uy = 5 , t = , a = g = −9.8 , s = −k
4
s = ut + 1 at 2
2
5k 1  k2 
−k = +  −9.8 × 
4 2 16 
9 k
= 4.9 (We have divided through by k , since k > 0)
4 16
4×9
k=
4.9
k = 7.3469...
The value of k is 7.35 (3s.f.).

15 b i At P:
vx = ux = 4 ms−1
vy is found by resolving vertically with s = −k = −7.3469...
R(↑): uy = 5 , a = g = −9.8 , s = −k , v = vy
v 2 = u 2 + 2 as
v y 2 = 5 2 + 2( −9.8)( − k )
v y 2 = 25 + 19.6 k
The speed at P is given by:
v 2 = vx2 + v y2
v 2 = 42 + 25 + 19.6k
v 2 = 41 + (19.6 × 7.3469...)
v = 185
v = 13.601...
The speed of the object at P is 13.6 ms−1 (3s.f.).

15 b ii The object passes through P at an angle α where:

v vy vy
cos α = x (alternatively, tan α = or sinα = )
v vx v
4
cos α =
185
α = 72.897...
The object passes through P travelling at an angle of 72.9o below the horizontal (to 3s.f.).

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16 a Let U be the speed at which the basketball is thrown.
Resolve horizontally to find, in terms of U, the
time at which the ball reaches the basket:
R(→): v = ux = U cos40 , s = 10 , t = ?
s = vt
10 = Ut cos 40
10
t=
U cos 40

Now resolve vertically at the instant when the ball passes through the basket:
10
R(↑): u = uy = U sin 40 , t = s, a = g = −9.8 , s = 3.05 – 2 = 1.05
U cos 40
s = ut + 1 at 2
2
10U sin 40 1   
2
 10
1.05 = +  −9.8 ×   
U cos 40 2   U cos 40  
490
1.05 = 10 tan 40 −
(U cos 40 )2
490
(U cos 40 ) 2 =
10 tan 40 − 1.05
490
U2 =
(10 tan 40 − 1.05)(cos 40 )2
U = 10.665...
The player throws the ball at 10.7 ms−1 (3s.f.).

b By modelling the ball as a particle, we can ignore the effects of air resistance, the weight of the
ball and any energy or path changes caused by the spin of the ball.

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Challenge
Let the positive direction be downwards.

The stone thrown from the top of the tower is T, and that from the window is W.
Let uTx denote the horizontal component of the initial velocity of T, and uW y denote the vertical
component of the initial velocity of W, etc.

The stones collide at time t at a horizontal distance x m

from the tower.
For T, R(→): v = uTx = 20cosα ms−1, s = x, t = t

For W, R(→): v = uWx = 12 ms−1, s = x, t = t

s = vt
x = uTx t = uWx t
20cos α = 12
3 4
cos α = ⇒ sin α =
5 5
For T, R(↓): u = uTy = 20sin α = 16 ms−1, a = g, s = sTy ,
t=t
For W, R(↓): u = uWy = 0 , a = g, s = sTW = sTy − 40 , t = t
sWy = sTy − 40

uWy t + 1 gt 2 = uTy t + 1 gt 2 − 40 (since s = ut + 1 at 2 )

2 2 2
0 = 16t − 40 (subtracting 1 gt 2 from each side in line above, and sub values for u )
2
40
t=
16
= 2.5
The stones collide after 2.5 s of flight.

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Projectiles 6D
1 At maximum height, h, the vertical component of
velocity, vy = 0
R(↑): u  u y  U sin  , a = −g, s  h, v  0
v 2  u 2  2as
0  U 2 sin 2   2 gh
2 gh  U 2 sin 2 
U 2 sin 2 
h as required.
2g

2 Resolving the initial velocity horizontally and vertically

R() u x  21cos 
R    u y  21sin 

a Resolve horizontally and vertically at the point (x, y):

R()
u  ux  21cos  , s  x, t  ?
s  ut
x  t  21cos 
x
t
21cos 

R 
x
u  u y  21sin  , s  y, t  , a  g
21cos 
1
s  ut  at 2
2
2
 x   x 
y  21sin     4.9  
 21cos    21cos  
4.9 x 2
 x tan  
441cos 2 
x2
 x tan   as required.
90 cos 2 

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 1
2 b  sec2   1  tan 2 
cos 2 
x2 x2
Hence
90cos  90
2
 1  tan 2  

x2
Evaluating y  x tan   when y  8.1, x  36 gives:
90cos 2 
362
8.1  36 tan  
90
 1  tan 2  

8.1  36 tan   14.4 1  tan 2  

0  144 tan 2   360 tan   225
0  16tan 2  40 tan   25
0   4 tan   5
2

5
 tan 
4

3 Resolving the initial velocity horizontally and vertically

R() u x  U cos 
R    u y  U sin 

a We find time of flight by setting s y  0

R    : s  0, u  U sin  , a   g , t  ?

s  ut  1 at 2
2
0  Ut sin   1 gt 2
2

 t U sin   1 gt
2 
1 gt  U sin  (ignore t  0 , which corresponds to the point of projection)
2
2U sin 
t as required
g

2U sin 
b We find range by considering horizontal motion when t 
g
2U sin 
R() : s  R, v  U cos  , t 
g
s  vt
2U sin 
R  U cos  
g
U 2  2sin  cos 
R
g
Using the trigonometric identity sin 2  2sin  cos  , it follows that
U 2 sin 2
R , as required
g

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3 c The greatest possible value of sin 2 is 1, which occurs when
2  90
   45
Hence, for a fixed U, the greatest possible range is when   45

U 2 sin 2 2U 2
d R 
g 5g
2
 sin 2 
5
2  23.578 , 156.422 
  11.79 , 78.21

The two possible angles of elevation are 12 and 78 (nearest degree).

4 First find the time it took the firework to reach max. height.
R(↑): initial velocity = v, final velocity = 0, a   g , t  ?
v  u  at
0  v  gt
v
t
g
The two parts of the firework will take the same time to fall as the firework did to climb.
Considering the horizontal motion of one part of the firework as it falls:
v
R(→): u = 2v, t  , s  ?
g
s  ut
v
s  2v 
g
2v 2
s
g
The other part travels the same distance in the opposite direction, so the two parts land
2v 2 2v 2 4v 2
  m apart.
g g g

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5 a Considering horizontal motion, first find time at
which s  x :
R(→): ux  U cos  , s  x, t  ?
s  ut
x  U cos    t
x
t
U cos 
x
Now consider vertical motion with t  to
U cos 
find y:
x
R(↑): u y  U sin  , a = −g, t  , sy
U cos 
s  ut  1 at 2
2
2
x  x 
y  U sin    1 g 
U cos  2  U cos  
gx 2
y  x tan   as required.
2U 2 cos 2 

b U = 8 ms−1, α = 40o, y = −13 m

Substituting these values into the equation derived in

a:
gx 2
y  x tan  
2U 2 cos 2 
9.8 x 2
13  x tan 40 
2  82 cos 2 40
9.8 x 2
13  0.8391x 
128  0.5868
13  0.8391x  0.1305 x 2
0  0.1305 x 2  0.8391x  13
Using the formula for the roots of a quadratic equation:

b  b 2  4ac
x
2a
0.8391  0.83912  (4  0.1305  (13))
x
2  0.1305
0.8391  2.737
x
0.2609
x  13.702... or x  7.2714... negative root can be ignored as behind point of projection
The stone is 2 m above sea level at 13.7 m from the end of the pier (to 3 s.f.).

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6 a Considering horizontal motion, first find time at
which s  x :
R(→): ux  U cos  , s  x, t  ?
s  ut
x  U cos    t
x
t
U cos 

x
Now consider vertical motion with t  to
U cos 
find y:
x
R(↑): u y  U sin  , a = −g, t  , sy
U cos 
s  ut  1 at 2
2
2
x  x 
y  U sin    1 g 
U cos  2  U cos  
gx 2
y  x tan  
2U 2 cos 2 
gx 2  1 
y  x tan    
2U 2  cos 2  
1
but  sec 2   1  tan 2  so
cos 2

gx 2
y  x tan  
2U 2
1  tan 2   as required.

b U = 30 ms−1, α = 45o, y = −2 m

Substituting these values into the equation

derived in a:
gx 2
2 
y  x tan   1  tan 2  
2U
9.8 x 2
2 
2  x tan 45  1  tan 2 45 
2  30
2
9.8 x
2  x 
900
9.8 x 2
0 x2
900
1  12  (4  0.0109  (2))
x (using the quadratic formula)
2  0.0109
1  1.043
x
0.0218
x  93.794... or x  1.9582... negative root can be ignored as behind point of projection
The javelin lands 93.8 m from P (to 3s.f.).

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6 c As shown in part a:
x
time of flight, t 
U cos 
−1
U = 30 ms , α = 45o, x = 93.79 m
93.79
t   4.42
30cos 45
The javelin lands after 4.4 s.

7 a R(→): ux  U cos  ms−1, s = 9 m

s  vt
9  U cos   t
9
t
U cos 
R(↑): u y  U sin  , a = −g,
9
s = 2.4 −1.5 = 0.9 m, t 
U cos 
s  ut  1 at 2
2
2
9  9 
0.9  U sin    1 g 
U cos  2  U cos  
81g
0.9  9 tan   as required.
2U cos 2 
2

1 3 1
b   30o  tan   , cos   and sin  
3 2 2
Substituting these values into the equation above:
9 4  81g
0.9  
3 2U  3
2

529.2
4.296 
U2
529.2
U2 
4.296
U  11.098...
When ball passes over the net:
R(→): vx = ux
u x  U cos 30
 11.10 cos 30
 9.6117...
R(↑): u y  U sin 30 , a = –g , s = 0.9 m, v  ?
v 2  u 2  2as

 
2
v y 2  11.10  1  2(9.8)(0.9)
2
v y  30.79  17.64  13.154...
2

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7 b The speed at P is given by:
v 2  vx2  v y2
v 2  9.6122  13.15
v  105.5  10.273...
The ball passes over the net at a speed of 10.3 ms−1 (3s.f).

8 a R(→): ux = k ms−1, s = x

s  vt
x  kt
x
t
k
x
R(↑): uy = 2k ms−1, a = −g, s = y, t 
k

s  ut  1 at 2
2
2
2kx 1  x 
y  g 
k 2 k
gx 2
y  2x  as required.
2k 2

b i When x = R, y = 0
Substituting these values into the equation derived in a:
gR 2
0  2R  2
2k
2
gR
 2R
2k 2
2 R  2k 2
R2 
g
4k 2
R
g
(The equation also gives a value of R = 0. This can be ignored, as it represents the value of x
when the object is projected.)
4k 2
Therefore, the distance AB is m.
g

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 R 2k 2
8 b ii When y = H, x = 
2 g
Substituting these values into the equation derived in a:
2
2k 2 g  2k 2 
H  2  2 
g 2k  g 
4k 2 2k 2
H 
g g
2k 2
H
g
2k 2
The maximum height reached is m.
g

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Challenge

If the point where the stone lands is taken as

x = x, y = 0,
and stone is projected from a height h m above
the hill, then
the equation for the hill is:
y=h–x
and, when y = 0
x=h
For the stone, y = −h
Using the equation for the trajectory of a
projectile:
gx 2
2 
y  x tan   1  tan 2  
2U
gx 2
h  x tan 45 
2U 2
1  tan 2 45 
gx 2
h  x  2
U
But, from above, x = h so:
gx 2
x  x  2
U
2
gx
 2x
U2
Ignoring the solution x = 0:
gx
2
U2
2U 2
x
g
Therefore, the distance as measured along the slope of the hill, d, is given by:
x
cos 45 
d
x
d
cos 45
2U 2 2 2U 2
d 1  as required.
2
g g

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Projectiles Mixed exercise 6
1 a Resolving the initial velocity vertically
( )
R ↑ u y = 42 sin 45°
= 21 2
u = 21 2 , v = 0, a = −9.8, s = ?
v 2 = u 2 + 2as

( ) − 2 × 9.8 × s
2
02 = 21 2

( 21 2 ) = 882 = 45
2

s=
2 × 9.8 19.6
The greatest height above the plane reached by P is 45 m.

b R ↑( )
u = 21 2 , s = 0, a = −9.8, t = ?
s = ut + 1 at 2
2
0 = 21 2t − 4.9t 2
t≠0
21 2
t= = 6.0609...
4.9
The time of flight of P is 6.1 s (2 s.f.).

2 Resolving the initial velocity horizontally and vertically

R(→) ux = 21
( )
R ↑ uy = 0

Resolve horizontally to find the time of flight:

R(→) : s = 56, u = 21, t = ?
s = ut
56 = 21× t
56 8
t= =
21 3

8
Resolve vertically with t = s to find h
3
( )
R ↓ : u = 0, s = h, a = 9.8, t = 8
3
s = ut + 2 at
1 2

()
2
h = 0 + 4.9 8 = 34.844
3
h = 35 (2 s.f.)

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3 a tan θ = 4 ⇒ sin θ = 4 , cos θ = 3
3 5 5
Resolving the initial velocity horizontally and vertically
R (→) u x = 15cos α = 15 × 3 = 9
5
( )
R ↑ u y = 15sin α = 15 × 4 = 12
5

R(→) : u = 9, t = 4, s = ?
s = ut
= 9× 4
= 36
The horizontal distance between the point of projection and the point where the ball hits the lawn
is 36 m.

b Let the vertical height above the lawn from which the ball was thrown be h m
( )
R ↑ : u = 12, s = −h, a = −9.8, t = 4
s = ut + 1 at 2
2
− h = 12 × 4 − 4.9 × 4 2
= −30.4
⇒ h = 30.4
The vertical height above the lawn from which the ball was thrown is 30 m (2 s.f.).

4 a Resolving the initial velocity horizontally and vertically

R (→) u x = 40 cos 30° = 20 3
R ( ↑ ) u y = 40sin 30° = 20
First, resolve vertically to find the time of flight:
( )
R ↑ : u = 20, s = 0, a = −9.8, t = ?
s = ut + 1 at 2
2
0 = 20t − 4.9t 2
0 = t (20 − 4.9t )
20
t ≠0⇒t =
4.9
20
Now resolve horizontally with t = to find distance AB
4.9
20
R(→) : u = v = 20 3, t = , s=?
4.9
s = ut
20
= 20 3 × = 141.39...
4.9
AB = 140 (2 s.f.)

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 ( )
4 b R ↑ : u = 20, v = vy , a = −9.8, s = 15
v 2 = u 2 + 2as
v y2 = 202 − 2 × 9.8 ×15 = 106

( )
2
V 2 = u x2 + v y2 = 20 3 + 106 = 1306

V = 1306 = 36.138...
The speed of the projectile at the instants when it is 15 m above the plane is 36 ms −1 (2 s.f.)

5 a Taking components of velocity horizontally and vertically:

R (→) u x = U cos θ
R ( ↑ ) u y = U sin θ

First resolve vertically to find time of flight:

( )
R ↑ : u = U sin θ , a = − g , s = 0, t = ?
s = ut + 1 at 2
2
0 = (U sin θ ) × t − 1 gt 2
2
(
0 = t U sin θ − 1 gt
2 )
2u sin θ
t= (since t = 0 corresponds to launch)
g
2u sin θ
Let the range be R. Resolve horizontally with t = to find R:
g
2u sin θ
R (→) : u = U cos θ , s = R, t =
g
s = vt
2U sin θ
R = U cos θ ×
g
2U sin θ cos θ
=
g
Using the identity sin 2θ = 2sinθ cosθ
U 2 sin 2θ
R=
g

b R is a maximum when sin 2θ = 1, that is when θ = 45°

U2
The maximum range of the projectile is
g
U 2 sin 2θ 2U 2
c R= =
g 3g
2
⇒ sin 2θ =
3
2θ = 41.81°, (180 − 41.81)°
θ = 20.9°, 69.1°, (nearest 0.1°)

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6 Taking components horizontally and vertically
R(→) ux = 40cos30° = 20 3
( )
R ↑ u y = 40sin30° = 20

( )
a R ↑ : u = 20, v = 0, a = − g , t = ?
v = u + at
0 = 20 − 9.8t
20
t= = 2.0408...
9.8
The time taken by the ball to reach its greatest height above A is 2.0 s (2 s.f.)

b Resolve vertically with s = 15.1 m to find time of flight.

( )
R ↑ : u = 20, s = 15.1, a = − g , t = ?
s = ut + 1 at 2
2
15.1 = 20t − 4.9t 2
4.9t 2 − 20t + 15.1 = 0
(t − 1)( 4.9t − 15.1) = 0
On the way down the time must be greater than the result in part a, so t ≠ 1
15.1
⇒t = = 3.0816...
4.9
The time taken for the ball to travel from A to B is 3.1s (2 s.f.)

( )
c R ↑ : u = 20, a = − g , t =
15.1
4.9
, v = vy
v y = u + at
15.1
v y = 20 − 9.8 ×
4.9
= −10.2
R(→) vx = ux = 20 3
Hence:
V 2 = u x2 + v y2

( )
2
+ ( −10.2 )
2
= 20 3
= 1304.04
V = 1304.04 = 36.111...
The speed with which the ball hits the hoarding is 36 m s −1 (2 s.f.).

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7 a Let downwards be the positive direction.

First, resolve vertically to find the time of flight:

R(↓): u = uy = 0, a = g = 10 ms−2, s = 20 cm = 0.20 m, t = ?
s = ut + 1 at 2
2
0.2 = 0 + 1 ×10 × t 2
2
0.2
t2 =
5
t = 0.2

Let the horizontal distance to the target be x m.

R(→): v = ux = 10 ms−1, t = 0.2 s, s = x
s = vt
x = 10 × 0.2
x=2
The target is 2 m from the point where the ball was thrown.

b Using the equation

U 2 sin 2α
Range =
10
gives:
2 = 10sin 2α
sin 2α = 0.2
2α = 11.536... ⇒ α = 5.7684...
or
2α = 168.46... ⇒ α = 84.231...
For the ball to pass through the hole the boy must throw the ball at 5.77o or 84.2 o above the
horizontal (both angles to 3s.f.).

8 Let downwards be the positive direction.

tan α = 3 so sin α = 3 and cos α = 4
4 5 5
a R(↓): uy = 20sin α = 12 ms−1, a = g = 10 ms−2, s = 10 m, t = ?
s = ut + 1 at 2
2
10 = 12t + 1 10t 2
2
0 = 5t + 12t − 10
2

−12 ± 144 − (4 × 5 × ( −10))

t=
10
t = 0.65472... or − 3.0547
The negative answer does not apply, so the time taken to travel PQ is 0.65 s (2s.f.).

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8 b First, find OQ:
R(→): v = ux = 20cos α = 16 , s = 10 , t = 0.65472…
s = vt
OQ = 16 × 0.65472...
= 10.475...
Next find TQ:
TQ = OQ − 9
= 10.475... − 9
= 1.475...
The distance TQ is 1.5 m (2s.f.).

c First, resolve horizontally to find the time at which the ball passes through A
R(→): vx = ux = 20cos α = 16 , s = 9 , t = ?
s = vt
9 = 16 × t
t = 0.5625

Then resolve vertically with t = 0.5625 to find vertical speed of ball as it passes through A
R(↓): uy = 20sin α = 12 , a = g = 10 , vy = ?
v = u + at
v y = 12 + (10 × 0.5625)
v y = 17.625

The speed of ball at A is given by:

v 2 = vx2 + v y2
v 2 = 162 + 17.6252
v = 566.64... = 23.804...
The speed of the ball at A is 23.8 ms−1 (3s.f.).

9 Let u Px denote the horizontal component of the initial

velocity of P, and uQy denote the vertical component of the
initial velocity of Q, etc.

a For P: R(→): v = uPx = 18

v = uQx = 30cos α
Since the balls eventually collide, these two speeds must
be the same, so:
30 cos α = 18
18 3
cos α = = as required.
30 5

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 3 4
9 b Since cos α = ⇒ sin α =
5 5
Suppose the balls collide at a height h above the ground.

Resolve the vertical motion of both P and Q to find two equations

for h in terms of t. We can then equate the two to solve for t.

For P, R(↓): u = u Py = 0 , a = g, s = 32 − h, t = t

s = ut + 1 at 2
2
32 − h = 0 + 1 gt 2
2
h = 32 − 1 gt 2 (1)
2
For Q, R(↑): u = uQy = 30 sin α = 24 , a = −g, s= h, t = t

s = ut + 1 at 2
2
h = 24t − 1 gt 2 (2)
2
(1) = (2):
32 − 1 gt 2 = 24t − 1 gt 2
2 2
24t = 32
32 4
t= =
24 3
4
The balls collide after s of flight.
3

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Challenge

The vertical motion of the golf ball is unaffected by the motion of the ship and, therefore, the time of
flight is given by the usual equation for the time of flight of a projectile:

2v sin α 2v sin 60
T= =
g g
The absolute path of the ball is a parabola, and the horizontal component of the velocity is, as usual,
constant.

However, the ball’s horizontal speed relative to the ship is not constant: the ball appears to decelerate at
the same rate as the ship is accelerating and the path appears to be non-symmetrical.

Therefore, considering the horizontal motion of the ball:

2v sin 60
R(→): s = 250 m, a = −1.5 ms−2, t = T = s, u = vx = vcos60o ms–1
g
s = ut + 1 at 2
2
2
 2v sin 60  1.5  2v sin 60 
250 = v cos 60  −  
 g  2  g 
v 2 × 2 cos 60 sin 60 3v 2 × sin 2 60
250 = −
g g2
250 g 2 = ( g sin120 − 3sin 2 60 ) v 2
250 × 9.82
v =
2

( 2
3
)
× 9.8 − ( 3 × 34 )

v = 3849.5... = 62.044...

The initial speed of the golf ball is 62 ms–1 (to 2s.f.).

[Note that the equation above can be written:

2
3  2v sin 60  v 2 sin120
250 +   =
4 g  g

The additional term on the LHS is the distance covered by the ship during the time of flight of the ball,
and the RHS is the usual equation for the range of a projectile.]

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