PROJECTILE MOTION

PROJECTILE:
An object thrown in the air with initial velocity in any direction, making some angle with horizontal,
moving freely under the action of gravity is called projectile.
Example: A bullet fired from a gun, football kicked in air, a stone thrown obliquely in air, etc.
Assumptions of projectile motion:
(i) Neglecting the effect of air resistance on the projectile.
(ii) Assuming the acceleration due to gravity is constant at each point of projectile.
(iii) Neglecting the effect of curvature of earth.
Types of projectile motion:
u
y
y
u


 x
x
x

Type 2: Horizontal Type 3: Oblique projection

Type 1: Oblique projection
projection from height
y y
u


u

 
x x
Type 4: Projection on an inclined plane Type 5: Projection down an inclined plane

Basic definitions of projectile motion:

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AIMS Pvt. Tuitions XI – PHYSICS
(a) Projectile motion: Motion of a projectile under the effect of gravity is called projectile
motion.
Examples: A bullet fired from a gun, bomb released fom an aircraft in flight, a football kicked
by a player.
(b) Point of projection: The point from which the body is projected in air is called as point of
projection.
(c) Velocity of projection: The velocity with which an object is projected in space is called the
velocity of projection.
(d) Angle of projection: The angle made by the velocity of projection with the horizontal is called
the angle of projection.
(e) Trajectory of projectile: The path followed by the projectile in space is called trajectory.
It is parabolic in nature.
(f) Horizontal range (R):The horizontal distance between the point of projection and the point on
the same horizontal plane, at which the projectile returns after moving along its trajectory is
called the horizontal range (R) of the projectile.
(g) Time of ascent (tA): It is the time taken by projectile to travel from point of projection to the
maximum height.
(h) Time of descent (tD): It is the time taken by projectile to travel from maximum height to the
ground level.
(i) Time of flight (T): Time taken by the projectile to cover the entire trajectory is called time of
flight (T).
T = t A + tD
(j) Maximum height of a projectile (H): It is the maximum vertical distance travelled by the
projectile from the ground level during its motion.

Type 1: Oblique projection from ground:

Equation of path of a projectile:


(i) Consider a body projected with velocity u, at an angle  of projection from point O in the
coordinate system of the XY-plane, as shown in figure.

(ii) Velocity u can be resolved into two rectangular components.
- ux = u cos  (hoizontal component)
- uy = u sin  (vertical component)
(iii) The horizontal component of velocity u cos  remains constant throughout the motion
because there is no horizontal component of acceleration, i.e. ax = 0.

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Prof. Hemant Kadam PROJECTILE MOTION
(iv) Let x = horizontal distance covered by the projectile in time t.
1 2
sx = uxt + axt
2
 x = (u cos )t
x
 t= … (1)
(u cos )
(v) Let y be the vertical distance covered by the projectile in time t.
Applying kinematical equation,
1 2
sy = uyt + ayt
2
Substituting sy = y, uy = u sin 
Vertical component of acceleration, ay = g

y = (u sin )t  1 gt
2
 … (2)
2
Substituting t from equation (1) in equation (2), we have
2

y = u sin   x 1 x  g
u cos  2 u cos 
2
 y = (x tan )   gx 
2u2 cos2  … (3)
 
Equation (3) represents the path of the projectile.
g
(vi) If we put (tan ) =  and  2  =  then equation (3) can be written as y = x  x2. This
2u cos2 
is the equation of parabola. Hence path of projectile is a parabola.
Note:
2
1. Equation y = x tan   gx is valid only when  lies between 0 and /2.
2 2
2u cos 
2. The shape of the trajectory of motion of an object is not determined by acceleration alone
but also depends on initial condition of motion.
Other forms of trajectory equation:
2 2
gx (1 + tan )
1. y = x tan   2
2u
2
gx gx
2. y = x tan    y = x tan  1  
2 2
2u cos   2u cos  tan 
2 2

gx
 y = x tan  1  
 2u sin  cos 
2

x
 y = x tan  1  
 R
HORIZONTAL RANGE (R):
The horizontal distance between the point of projection and the point on the same horizontal plane, at
which the projectile returns after moving along its trajectory is called the horizontal range (R) of
the projectile.
Expression for horizontal range: Suppose a body is projected obliquely with velocity u making an
angle  with positive direction of X-axis.
From equation of trajectory of the projectile,
2
y = x tan   gx
22
2u cos 
At point B, y = 0 and x = R.
2
 0 = R tan   gR
2 2
2u cos 

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AIMS Pvt. Tuitions XI – PHYSICS
2
gR
 R tan  = 2 2
2u cos 
gR
tan  = 2 2
2u cos 
2 2
 gR = 2u cos   tan 
2 2 sin 
gR = 2u cos  
cos 
2
u (2 sin   cos )
 R=
g
2
u sin 2
 R= [ sin 2 = 2 sin   cos ]
g

This is the required expression for horizontal range of the projectile.

Special cases:
Case I : When  = 0
2
u sin 0
R= = 0 [ sin 0 = 0]
g
Case II : When  = 45
2 2
u sin(2  45) u sin 90
R= =
g g
2
u
 R= [ sin 90 = 1]
g
This value is maximum for a projectile.
2
u
 Rmax =
g
Case III : When  = 90
2 2
u sin 2  90 u  0
R= = =0 [ sin 180 = 0]
g g
TIME OF FLIGHT (T):
(i) Using kinematical equation v = u + at for vertical direction,
vy = uy + ayt
At maximum height substituting vy = 0,
t = tA, ay = g, uy = u sin 
 0 = u sin   gtA
u sin  = gtA

u sin 
tA = … (1)
g

This is time of ascent of projectile.

(ii) At any instant of time (t), the position of the projectile (y) along Y-axis is given by,
1
y = (u sin )t  1 gt … (2) since sy = uyt + ayt 
2 2

2  2 
(iii) The projectile returns to the ground level (point B) after time ‘T’. At this point, the net vertical
displacement of the projectile is zero, i.e. y = 0 at t = T.
From equation (2),
0 = (u sin ) T  1 gT
2

2
1 2
 (u sin )T = gT
2

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Prof. Hemant Kadam PROJECTILE MOTION

2u sin 
 T= … (3)
g

Equation (3) represents time of flight of projectile.

From equations (1) and (2),
T = 2tA
‘T’ is the time in which the projectile returns to original plane of projection, i.e. at point C.
T = t A + tD
 tD = T  tA
2u sin  u sin 
 tD = 
g g

u sin 
 tD =
g

 tA = tD
MAXIMUM HEIGHT (H):
Maximum height of a projectile: It is the maximum vertical distance travelled by the projectile from
the ground level during its motion.
Expression for maximum height:
(i) Let H be the maximum height reached by the projectile.
At maximum height,
vy = 0, uy = u sin 
ay = g, sy = H
2 2
(ii) From kinematical equation, vy = uy + 2aysy
2
 0 = (u sin )  2gH
2 2
u sin  = 2gH
2 2
u sin 
 H=
2g

This equation represents maximum height of projectile.

From the formula it is observed that maximum height of projectile depends on : (a) initial
velocity of projection (u) and (b) angle of projection ().
Additional points about projectile motion:
1. For a given velocity of projection, there are two angles of projection (complimentary
angles) which give the same range of projectile:
For angle of projection (),
2
u sin 2
Range, R1 =
g
For angle of projection (90  ),
2
u sin 2(90  )
Range, R2 =
g
2
u sin(180  2)
R2 =
g
2
u sin 2
 R2 = … [sin(180  2) = sin 2]
g
 R1 = R2

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AIMS Pvt. Tuitions XI – PHYSICS

2. Trajectories of projectile projected with same velocity and different angles:

3. Relation between maximum range (Rmax) and maximum height (H):

2
u
When  = 45, Rmax =
g
2 2 2 2 2
u sin  u sin 45 u
H= = =
2g 2g 4g
Rmax
 H=
4
 Rmax = 4H

4. Velocity of projectile at any time 't':

Using first equation of motion in vertical direction, we have
vy = uy  gt
= u sin   gt
 Velocity at any time 't',
  
v = vx i + vy j
  
or v = (u cos ) i + (u sin   gt) j
5. Velocity of projectile at any height 'h':
At any height 'h'
vx = ux = u cos  … (i)
and v 2y = u2y  2gh
2
= (u sin )  2gh … (ii)
Squaring (i) and adding with equation (i), we get
2
v= u  2gh
6. Position of projectile at any time 't':
Position of particle at any time 't' is given by
  
r = xi + yj
where, x = u cos t … (1)
1 2
and y = u sin t  gt … (2)
2
  1 2
 r = (u cos t) i + u sin t  gt j
 2 
2 2
 r= (u cos t) + u sin t 
2 1 2
gt = ut 1+  gt   gt sin 
 2  2u u
y
and tan  =
x

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Prof. Hemant Kadam PROJECTILE MOTION

u sin t  1 gt2
2
 = tan   = tan1 2u sin   gt
1
or
 ut cos    2u cos  
The angle of elevation  of the highest point of the projectile:
u sin 
t=
g
u sin 
2u sin   g 
g
 tan  =
2u cos 

tan 
or tan  =
2

7. Radius of curvature of projectile:

(i) At point of projection:
From the figure it is clear that, an = g cos 
As we know,
2
v
an =
R
2 2
v u
 R= =
an g cos 

(ii) At the highest point of projectile:

v = u cos 
2 2
v (u cos )
 R= =
an g
2 2
u cos 
or R=
g

Note:
(i) Average velocity in whole time of motion of this type of projection is u cos .
(ii) Average acceleration in the projectile motion is g downward.
8. Change in momentum:
Change in momentum between two positions of projectile is given by
    
 P = P f  P i = m( v f  v i)
(a) Between point of projection and highest point:
  
vi = u cos  i + u sin  j
 
and vf = u cos  j
   
  P = m[(u cos  i)  (u cos  i + u sin  j)]
or P = mu sin 
(b) For the complete projectile motion,
  
vi = u cos  i + u sin  j
  
vf = u cos  i  u sin  j
    
  P = m[(u cos  i  u sin  j)  (u cos  i + u sin  j)]
or P = 2 mu sin 

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AIMS Pvt. Tuitions XI – PHYSICS
9. Angular momentum: Angular momentum of projected particle about the axis passing
through point of projection at any time 't' can be obtained as:
      
L = r  P = r  m v = m( r  v )
  
where, v = u cos  i + (u sin   gt) j
  1 2
and r = (u cos t) i + (u sin t  gt ) j
2
10. Path of a projectile as observed by another projectile: Suppose two particles are projected
simultaneously from the same point with initial velocities u1 and u2 at an angle 1 and 2
respectively.

We have, x1 = u1 cos 1t and x2 = u2 cos 2t

 x2  x1 = (u2 cos 2  u1 cos 1)t … (i)

1 2
Also y1 = u1 sin 1t  gt
2
1 2
and y2 = u2 sin 2t  gt
2
 y2  y1 = (u2 sin 2  u1 sin 1)t ... (ii)

Dividing equation (ii) by equation (i), we get

y2  y1  u2 sin 2  u1 sin 1 
x2  x1 u2 cos 2  u1 cos 1
= = k (constant)

or (y2  y1) = k(x2  x1)

Above expression represents a straight line. Therefore, path of a projectile as seen from
another projectile is a straight line. For u2 cos 2 = u1 cos 1, we have

y2  y1
=  = tan 90
x2  x1

For the given condition, it observes a vertical straight line.

11. Projectile motion considering air resistance: Let air provide constant retardation 'a', then
0 = u sin   (g + a)t1

u sin 
 t1 = … (i)
(g + a)
The maximum height attained:
2 2
We have, vy = uy  2ah
2
or 0 = (u sin )  2(g + a)H'
2 2
u sin 
or H' =
2(g + a)

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Prof. Hemant Kadam PROJECTILE MOTION
Time taken to return on the ground:
1 2
We have, H = uyt + ayt
2
2 2
u sin  1 2
or = 0 + (g  a)t2
2(g + a) 2
u sin  u sin 
or t2 = = 2 2
(g + a)(g  a) (g  a )
u sin  u sin 
 Time of flight, T = t1 + t2 = +
(g + a) 2 2
(g  a )
Horizontal range R' :
1 2
We have, R' = uxt  at
2
1 2
or R' = u cos T  aT
2
Thus we have, T < T, H' < H, R' < R, ' > 
12. Projectile motion at a glance (Summary):
Quantity Horizontal motion (X-axis) Vertical motion (Y-axis)
1. Initial velocity ux = u cos  uy = u sin 
2. Acceleration ax = 0 ay = g
3. Velocity after time 't' vx = ux = u cos  vy = uy + at
= u sin   gt
4. Velocity at height 'h' vx = ux = u cos  2 2
vy = uy + 2aySy
2
= (u sin )  2gH
1 2 1 2
Sx = uxt + a t Sy = uyt + a t
5. Displacement after time 2 x 2 y
't' x = (u cos )t 1 2
y = (u sin )t  gt
2
6. Velocity at max. height vx = ux = u cos  vy = 0
7. Final velocity at ground ux = u cos  uy = u sin 

Solved Examples
2
gx
Problem 1: The trajectory of a projectile is represented by y = 3x  . The angle of projection
2
is
(a) 30 (b) 45 (c) 60 (d) none of these
Sol. (c) By comparing the coefficient of x in given equation with standard equation
2
gx
y = x tan   2 2 ,
2u cos 
tan  = 3
  = 60

Problem 2: The path followed by a body projected along y-axis is given as y = 3x  1x2. If g =
2
10 m/s, then the initial velocity of projectile will be (x and y are in m)
(a) 3 10 m/s (b) 2 10 m/s (c) 10 3 m/s (d) 10 2 m/s

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AIMS Pvt. Tuitions XI – PHYSICS
2
Sol. (b) By comparing the coefficient of x in given equation with standard equation
2
gx
y = x tan   2 2
,
2u cos 
g 1
=
2u cos  2
2 2

Substituting  = 60, we get, u = 2 10 m/s

2
5x
Problem 3: The equation of projectile is y = 16x  . The horizontal range is
4
(a) 16 m (b) 8 m (c) 3.2 m (d) 12.8 m
x
Sol. (d) Standard equation of projectile motion is y = x tan  1  .
 R
2
5x x 
Given equation: y = 16x  or y = 16x 1 
4  64/5
64
By comparing above equations, R = = 12.8 m
5
Problem 4: A projectile is fired at 30 to the horizontal. The vertical component of its velocity is
1 T
80 ms . Its time of flight is T. What will be the velocity of the projectile at t = ?
2
1 1 80 1 1
(a) 80 ms (b) 80 3 ms (c) ms (d) 40 ms
3
Sol. (b) At half of the time of flight, the position of the projectile will be at the highest point
of the parabola and at that position particle possesses horizontal component of
velocity only.
80
Given: uvertical = u sin  = 80  u = = 160 m/s
sin 30
 uhorizontal = u cos  = 160 cos 30 = 80 3 m/s
Problem 5: A particle P is projected with velocity u1 at an angle of
30 with the horizontal. Another particle Q is thrown
vertically upwards with velocity u2 from a point vertically
below the highest point of path of P. The necessary
condition for the two particles to collide at the highest
point is
u2
(a) u1 = u2 (b) u1 = 2u2 (c) u1 = (d) u1 = 4u2
2
Sol. (b) Both particles collide at the highest point, it means the vertical distance travelled by
both the particles will be equal, i.e. the vertical component of velocity of both
particles will be equal.
u1
u1 = sin 30 = u2  = u2
2
 u1 = 2u2
Problem 6: Two seconds after projection a projectile is travelling in
a direction inclined at 30 to the horizontal after one
more sec, it is travelling horizontally. The magnitude
and direction of its velocity are
(a) 2 20 m/s, 60
(b) 20 3 m/s, 60
(c) 6 40 m/s, 30
(d) 40 6 m/s, 30

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Prof. Hemant Kadam PROJECTILE MOTION
Sol. (b) Let in 2 sec body reaches up to point A and after one more sec upto point B.
u sin 
Total time of ascent for a body is given 3 sec, i.e. t = =3
g
 u sin  = 10  3 = 30 … (i)
Horizontal component of velocity remains always constant.
u cos  = v cos 30 … (ii)
For vertical upward motion between point O and A
v sin 30 = u sin   g  2 [Using v = u  gt]
v sin 30 = 30  20 [As u sin  = 30]
 v = 20 m/s
Problem 7: A body is projected up a smooth inclined plane
(length = 20 2 m) with velocity 'u' from the point
M as shown in the figure. The angle of inclination
is 45 and the top is connected to a well of
diameter 40 m. If the body just manages to cross
the well, what is the value of 'v'?
1 1
(a) 40 ms (b) 40 2 ms
1 1
(c) 20 ms (d) 20 2 ms
Sol. (d) At point N angle of projection of the body will be
45. Let velocity of projection at this point be 'v'.
If the body just manages to cross the well,
then Range = Diameter of well
2
v sin 2
= 40 [As  = 45]
g
2
v = 400  v = 20 m/s
But we have to calculate the velocity (u) of the
body at point M.
For motion along the inclined plant (from M to N)
Final velocity (v) = 20 m/s
Acceleration (a) = g sin  = g sin 45
Distance of inclined plant (s) = 20 2 m
2 2 g 2 2
(20) = u  2  20 2 [Using v = u + 2as]
2
2 2
 u = 20 + 400  u = 20 2 m/s
Problem 8: If for a given angle of projection, the horizontal range is doubled, the time of flight
becomes
1
(a) 4 times (b) 2 times (c) 2 times (d) times
2
2
u sin 2 2u sin 
Sol. (c) R= and T =
g g
2
 Ru and T  u (If  and g are constant)
In the given condition to make range double, velocity must be increased up to 2
times that of previous value. So automatically time of flight will become 2 times.
Problem 9: A particle is thrown with velocity 'u' at an angle  from the horizontal. Another
particle is thrown with the same velocity at an angle  from the vertical. The ratio of
times of flight of two particles will be
(a) tan 2 : 1 (b) cot 2 : 1 (c) tan  : 1 (d) cot  : 1

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AIMS Pvt. Tuitions XI – PHYSICS
2u sin 
Sol. (c) For first particle, angle of projection from the horizontal is . So, T1 =
g
For second particle angle of projection from the vertical is . It means from the
horizontal is (90  ).
2u sin(90  ) 2u cos 
 T2 = =
g g
T1
So ratio of time of flight = tan .
T2
Problem 10: A large number of bullets are fired in all directions with same speed 'u'. What is the
maximum area on the ground on which these bullets will spread?
2 4 4 2
u u 2 u 2 u
(a)  (b)  (c)  (d) 
g g
2
g
2
g
2

Sol. (b) The maximum area will be equal to area of the circle with radius equal to the
maximum range of projectile.
2 2 4 2
2
Maximum area, r = (Rmax) = 
2 u  =  u As r = R u 
g g  max = g for  = 45
  2
Problem 11: A projectile is projected with initial velocity (6 i + 8 j) m/s. If g = 10 ms , then
horizontal range is
(a) 4.8 m (b) 9.6 m (c) 19.2 m (d) 14 m
 
Sol. (b) Initial velocity = (6 i + 8 j) m/s (given)
2 2 2 2
Magnitude of velocity of projection, u = ux + uy = 6 + 8 = 10 m/s
uy 8 4
Angle of projection, tan  = = =
ux 6 3
4 3
 sin  = and cos  =
5 5
2 4 3
2 2 (10)  2  
u sin 2 u 2 sin  cos  5 5
Now horizontal range, R = = = = 9.6 m
g g 10
Problem 12: A projectile thrown with an initial speed 'u' and angle of projection 15 to the
horizontal has a range R. If the same projectile is thrown at an angle of 45 to the
horizontal with speed 2u, its range will be
(a) 12R (b) 3R (c) 8R (d) 4R
2
u sin 2
Sol. (c) R=
g
2
 R  u sin 2
R2 u22 sin 22 2u 2 sin 90
=     R2 = R1   
R1 u1 sin 21  u  sin 30 = 8R1
Problem 13: A projectile is projected with a velocity 'v' such that its range on the horizontal plane
is twice the greatest height attained by it. The range of the projectile is (where 'g' is
acceleration due to gravity)
2 2 2
4v 4g v 4v
(a) (b) (c) (d)
5g 5v
2 g 5g
Sol. (a) We know that R = 4H cot 
1 2 1
2H = 4H cot   cot  = ; sin  = ; cos  = [As R = 2H given]
2 5 5
2 2 1
2 2u 
u 2 sin cos  5 5 4u2
Range = = =
g g 5g

12
Prof. Hemant Kadam PROJECTILE MOTION
 
Problem 14: A projectile is thrown with an initial velocity of v = a i + b j. If the range of projectile is
double the maximum height reached by it, then
(a) a = 2b (b) b = a (c) b = 2a (d) b = 4a
1
vy 1 b
Sol. (c) Angle of projection,  = tan = tan
vx a
b
 tan  = … (i)
a
1
From formula, R = 4H cot  = 2H  cot  =
2
 tan  = 2 … (ii) [As R = 2H given]
From equation (i) and (ii), b = 2a
Problem 15: A footballer kicks the football to check his
1
stamina with velocity 60 2 ms at an angle of
45. Find the following after 3 sec.
(i) velocity of football
(ii) angle made by velocity with horizontal
(iii) horizontal and vertical displacement
1
Sol. (i) Given, u = 60 2 ms ,  = 45
We know that horizontal component of velocity remains same during projectile
and only vertical component changes. So, we need to find the vertical
component of velocity after 3 sec. So, as we will have both v x and vy we can use
2 2
u= ux + uy to find out velocity after 3 sec.
1 1
So, ux = u cos 45 = 60 2  = 60 ms
2
1 1
uy = u sin 45 = 60 2  = 60 ms
2
The value of vertical component of velocity after 3 seconds is
1
vy = uy + ayt = uy  gt = 60  10  3 = 30 ms
1
and vx = 60 ms
2 2 1
 v= vx + vy = 3600 + 900 = 4500 = 30 5 ms
(ii) The angle made by direction of movement of a projectile or its velocity with
horizontal at any time during journey is given by
vy 30 1 1
tan  =  tan  =   = tan  
vx 60 2
(iii) As horizontal component of velocity remains constant, so to calculate the
horizontal distance covered we can use the relation,
Distance = Speed  Time  x = vxt
So x = 60  3 = 180 m
But vertical component keeps changing side by side as gravity keeps on acting
in downward direction. So we have to use the relation,
1 2
y = uyt + at
2 y
1
Here, uy = 6 ms , t = 3 s, ay = g
1 2
 y = 60  3   g  (3) = 180  45 = 135 m
2
Hence, horizontal displacement = 180 m, vertical displacement = 180 m.

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AIMS Pvt. Tuitions XI – PHYSICS
Problem 16: Two particles A and B are projected from the same point in different directions in
such a manner that vertical components are same. Find the ratio of range.

2
u sin 2 (2u sin ) 2uxuy
Sol. We know range of projectile, R = R=  u cos  =
g g g
uA sin B
As (uy)1 = (uy)2  ua sin A = uB sin B or =
uB sin A
RA 2(uA sin A) (uA cos A)/g  uA cos A  RA sin B cos A tan B
RB 2(uB sin B) (uB cos B)/g uB cos B RB sin A cos B tan A
 = =  = =

Problem 17: A batsman kicks a ball at an angle of 30 with an initial speed of 30 m/s. Assume
that the ball travels in a vertical plane, calculate
(i) the time at which the ball reaches the highest point
(ii) the maximum height reached
(iii) the horizontal range of the ball
(iv) the time for which the ball is in the air.
Sol. Here  = 30, u = 30 m/s
(i) The time taken by the ball to reach the highest point is half of total time of
flight. As time of ascending and descending is same for a projectile without air
resistance.
T u sin  30
Time to reach the highest point, tH = = =  sin 30 = 1.5 s
2 g 10
2 2 2 2
u sin  (30) (sin 30) 900
(ii) The maximum height reached = = = = 11.25 s
2g 2g 2104
2 2
u sin 2 (30) sin 2(30) 900  3
(iii) Horizontal range = = = = 45 3 m
g 10 20
(iv) The time for which the ball is in air is same as its time of flight
2u sin  2  20  sin 30
= = =3s
g 10
Problem 18: What should be the angle of projection for a body to have horizontal range be equal
to maximum height?
Sol. Let the desired angle = .
The angle can be found by just equating the expressions for horizontal range and
maximum height.
2 2 2
u sin 2 u sin 
Horizontal range = , Maximum height =
g 2g
As per question,
2 2 2
u sin 2 u sin 
=  2 sin  = sin2
g 2g
2
 22 sin  cos  = sin 
 tan  = 4
1
  = tan (4)
which is the required projection.

14
Prof. Hemant Kadam PROJECTILE MOTION

Problem 19: The horizontal range of a projectile is 2 3 times its maximum height. Find the angle
of projection.
Sol. If u and  be the initial velocity of projection and angle of projection respectively,
then
2 2 2
u sin  2u sin  cos 
The maximum height attained = and horizontal range =
2g g
2 2 2
According to the problem,
2u sin  cos 
=2 3
u sin 
g  2g 
 2 2
  = tan  
1
 tan  =
 3  3
Problem 20: For a projectile, show that:
2
(i) gT = 2R tan 
R
(ii) Hmax =   tan 
4
2
(iii) gT = 8Hmax
2u sin 
Sol. (i) We know that, T= … (1)
g
2
2u sin  cos 
and R= … (2)
g
Squaring (1) and dividing it by (2), we get
2 2 2
T 4u sin  g 2
=  = tan 
R g
2
2u sin  cos  g
2

2
gT = 2R tan 
Hence proved.
2 2
u sin 
(ii) Again we know that, Hmax = … (1)
2g
2
2u sin  cos 
and R= … (2)
g
Dividing equation (1) by equation (2),
Hmax u2 sin2  g 1
=  = tan 
R 2g 2
2u sin  cos  4
R
Hmax =   tan 
4
Hence proved.
2 2
u sin 
(iii) Hmax = … (1)
2g
2u sin 
and T = … (2)
g
Therefore, squaring (2) and dividing it by equation (1),
2 2 2
T 4u sin  2g 8
=  2 =
Hmax g
2
u sin  g
2

2
gT = 8Hmax
Hence proved.
Problem 21: From a point on the ground at a distance 'a' from the
foot of a pole, a ball is thrown at an angle of 45, which
just touches the top of pole and strikes the ground at a
distance of 'b' on the other side of it. Find the height of
the pole.

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AIMS Pvt. Tuitions XI – PHYSICS
Sol. Let 'h' be the height of the pole.
x
Using equation, we have: y = x tan  1 
 R
a + b  a ab
=a
a 
Since top of pole lies on curve (1), h = a tan 45 1 
 a + b  a+b a+b
Problem 22: A particle is projected over a triangle from one extremity of its horizontal base.
Grazing over the vertex, it falls on the other extremity of the base. If  and  be the
base angle of projection, prove that tan  = tan  + tan .
Sol. Let ABC be the triangle with base BC. Let 'h' be
the height of the vertex A, above BC. If M be the
perpendicular drawn on base BC from vertex A,
h h
then tan  = and tan  = , where BM = a and
a b
CM = b.
Since A(a, h) lies on the trajectory of the
x
projectile, y = x tan  1  
 R 
h b 
[ Range R = a + b]  = tan  
a 
i.e. h = a tan  1 
 a + b a a + b

 tan  = h a + b
 ab 
h h
 + = tan  + tan 
b a
 tan  = tan  + tan 
Hence proved.

Type 2: Horizontal projection from height 'h':

Let a particle be projected horizontally with initial velocity u from height h.

  = 0, ux = u, uy = 0
1. Equation of trajectory:
x
We have, x = ut or t =
u
1 2
sy = uyt + a t
2 y
2
1 2 1 x
and y= gt = g
2 2 u
2
gx
or y= 2
2u

16
Prof. Hemant Kadam PROJECTILE MOTION
2. Time of flight:
1 2
We have, h = uyt + at
2 y
1 2
or h=0+ gT
2

2h
which gives, T=
g

2h
3. Horizontal range (R): R = ux  T = u
g
4. Velocity at any time 't':
We have, vx = u

and vy = uy + gt = 0 + gt

  
 v = u i  gt j

2 2
and v= u + (gt)
gt
Also tan  =
u
5. Position at any time 't':
Taking position of projection as the origin, the position vector at any time 't'
  
r = xi  yj
1 2
where, x = ut and y = gt
2

  1 2
 r = ut i  gt j
2

2
Displacement s=r= (ut) +
2 1 gt2
2 
6. At a glance (Summary):

Quantity Horizontal motion (X-axis) Vertical motion (Y-axis)

1. Initial velocity ux = u cos 0 = u uy = u sin 0 = 0

2. Acceleration ax = 0 ay = g

3. Velocity after time 't' vx = ux = u vy = uy + ayt

= 0 + gt
vy = gt

4. Velocity at depth 'y' vx = ux = 0 vy = 2gy

1 2
1 2 Sy = uyt + at
5. Displacement after time Sx = uxt + axt 2 y
2
't' 1 2
x = ut y= gt
2

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AIMS Pvt. Tuitions XI – PHYSICS

Solved Examples

Problem 23: A ball rolls off the top of a stairway with a constant horizontal velocity 'u'. If the
steps are 'h' metre high and 'w' metre wide, show that the ball will just hig the edge
2
th 2hu
of n step if n = 2
.
gw
th
Sol. For n step,

Horizontal displacement x = nw and vertical

displacement y = nh, if 't' is the time of motion,
then

x = ut … (i)

or nw = ut
nw
 t=
u

and vertical displacement,

1 2
y=0+ gt
2
2 2 2
1 nw 1 n w
or nh = g = g
2 u 2 u
2

2
2hu
or n= 2
gw

Problem 24: A bomb is dropped on an enemy post by an aeroplane flying with a horizontal
velocity of 60 km/hr and at a height of 490 m. How far the aeroplane must be from
the enemy post at time of dropping the bomb, so that it may directly hit the target?
2
(g = 9.8 m/s )
100 500 200 400
(a) m (b) m (c) m (d) m
3 3 3 3
2h 5 2  490 500
Sol. (b) S=ut=u = 60   = m
g 18 9.8 3

Problem 25: An aeroplane moving horizontally with a speed of 720 km/h

drops a food packet, while flying at a height of 396.9 m. The
time taken by a food packet to reach the ground and its
2
horizontal range is (take g = 9.8 m/s ).

(a) 3 sec and 2000 m

(b) 5 sec and 500 m

(c) 8 sec and 1500 m

(d) 9 sec and 1800 m

2h 2  396.9
Sol. (d) Time of descent, t = =  t = 9 sec
g 9.8

and horizontal distance, S = u  t

 S= 720  5  9 = 1800 m
 18 

18
Prof. Hemant Kadam PROJECTILE MOTION

Type 3: Oblique projection from height 'h':

Let an object be projected with initial velocity 'u' at an angle  above
horizontal.
Component of the initial velocity in horizontal direction ux = u cos .
Component of the initial velocity in vertical direction uy = u sin .
Acceleration of the particle ay = g.
Equation of horizontal motion: x = u cos t … (i)
1 2
Equation of vertical motion: h = u sin t  gt … (ii)
2
From equations (i) and (ii),
2
gt  2u sin t  2h = 0
2 2
u sin  u sin  2h
or t=  +
g g
2 g

Analysis of projection of type 3:

Let us consider a particle is projected with initial velocity 100 m/s at an angle 30 with the
horizontal. The height of projection is 100 m.
Time of flight (T):
1 2
We have y = uyt + gt
2
1 2
or 100 = 100 sin 30 T +  10  T
2
2
or T  10T  20 = 0
2
10  (10)  4  1  (20)
which gives, T =
2
= 11.71 s (consider only positive value)
The horizontal range (R):
3
R = ux  T = 100 cos 30  11.71 = 100   11.71 = 1014 m
2

Type 4: Projectile motion on an inclined plane (up the inclined):

 = angle of projection with the horizontal

ax = g sin 
ay = g cos 
ux = u cos(  )

uy = u sin(  )

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AIMS Pvt. Tuitions XI – PHYSICS
1. Time of flight (T)
When the particle strikes the inclined plane, Y coordinate becomes zero.
1 2
Y = uyt + at
2 y
1 2
 0 = u sin(  )T  g cos  T
2
2. Range along the inclined plane (R):
When particle strikes the inclined plane, X coordinate is equal to R.
1 2
X = uxT + aT
2 x
2 2
 R= u cos(  b)  2u sin(  )  g sin   2u sin (  )
 g cos    2 2
cos  
2
2u sin(  ) [cos(  )cos   sin sin(  )]
R= 2
g cos 
2
2u sin(  )cos 
R= 2
g cos 
3. Maximum height (H): (relative to inclined plane)
2 2
vy = uy + 2aysy
2 2
0 = u sin (  )  2g cos H
2 2
u sin (  )
 H=
2g cos 

Type 5: Projectile motion on an inclined plane (down the inclined):

ax = g sin , ay = g cos 
ux = u cos(  ), uy = u sin(  )
1. Time of flight (T):
1 2
Y = uyT + at
2 y
1 2
 0 = u sin T  g cos T
2
2u sin 
 T=
g cos 
2. Maximum height (H):
2 2
vy = uy + 2aysy
2 2
 0 = u sin   2g cos H
2 2
u sin a
 H=
2g cos 

20
Prof. Hemant Kadam PROJECTILE MOTION
3. Horizontal range (R):
x 1 2
x=ut+ at
2 x
2
 R = u cos  2u sin  + 1 g sin  2u sin 
 g cos   2  g cos  
2
2u sin [cos  cos  + sin  sin ]
 R= 2
g cos 
2
2u sin  cos(  )
 T= 2
gcos 

Solved Examples
Problem 26: A particle is projected at an angle of 37 with an inclined plane. Calculate as shown
in figure.

(i) Time of flight of particle.

(ii) Distance travelled by particle (AB) along the inclined plane.
Sol. (i) To find out time of flight here, we can analyse the motion in y-direction; we can
1 2
use the formula y = uyt + ayt . By analyzing motion in y-direction, the
2
displacement of the particle in y-direction during the motion is zero.

3
Now uy = u sin  = usin 37 =  10 = 6 m/s
5
1
ay = g cos  = g cos 60 = 10  = 5 m/s
2
1 2 5 2 12
So, y = u1t + a t  0 = 6t  t  t = s
2 y 2 5
(ii) To find out the distance travelled along AB, we have to analyse the motion in x-
1 2
direction. So, we have to use the formula x = uxt + axt .
2
4
Here, ux = u cos  = 10 cos 37 = 10  = 8 m/s
5
3
ax = g sin  = 10 sin 60 = 10  = 5 3 m/s
2
12
And t= s,
5
2
12 1 12 96 5 3 144 96 72 3
x=8  5 3  =   = 
5 2  
5 5 2 25 5 5
12
5 (
= 8  6 3) m

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AIMS Pvt. Tuitions XI – PHYSICS
Problem 27: If a particle is projected from A, normal to the plane, calculate:

(i) Time of flight

(ii) AB = ?
Sol. (i) To calculate the time of flight we have to analyse the motion in y-axis. So, we
1 2
have to use the formula y = vyt + ayt .
2
Here, y = 0, uy = 10 m/s (as the particle is projected vertically upwards, so
whole velocity is along y-axis).
ux = 0 (As the particle is projected vertically along y-axis, so there will be no
component along x-axis.)
Displacement of the particle in y-direction will be zero.
5 2
 0 = 10t  t  t = 4 sec
2
which is the time taken to cover AB.
(ii) To calculate the distance along AB (range) we have to analyse the motion along
1 2
x-direction. So, we have to use the formula x = yxt + axt .
2
3
Here, ux = 0, ax = g sin  = 10 sin 60 = 10 = 5 3 m/s, t = 4 s
2
Here ax is positive as the particle is coming down in the inclined downward
direction.
1 2 5 3 2
So, x = R = 0t + at =  (4) = 40 3 m
2 y 2
Problem 26: At what angle should a ball be projected up an inclined plane with a velocity v 0 so
that it may hit the incline normally? The angle of the inclined plane with the
horizontal is .

Sol. As the ball has to hit the inclined plane normally, so in that position the x-
component of velocity will be zero and velocity will have y-component only.
The ball will hit the incline normally if its parallel component of velocity reduces to
zero during the time of flight.
By analyzing this motion along incline, i.e. x-direction, vx = ux + axt

22
Prof. Hemant Kadam PROJECTILE MOTION
Here, vx = 0, ux = v0 cos , ax = g sin 
v0 cos 
0 = v0 cos   (g sin )T  T = … (i)
g sin 
Also the displacement of the particle in y-direction will be zero.
1 2 1 2
Using y = uyt + ayt  0 = v0 sin T  g cos T
2 2
2v0 sin 
This gives T = … (ii)
g cos 
From (i) and (ii), we have
v0 cos  2v0 sin  cos  2 sin 
=  =
g sin  g cos  sin  cos 
 2 tan  tan  = 1
1
 tan  =   cot )
2
  = tan
1 1 cot 
2 
which is the required angle of projection.



23