Projectile Motion CP

PROJECTILE MOTION
Preface
It is the extension of the one dimensional motion into two dimensions. So before studying projectile
motion you must have a good grip over one dimensional motion and reference frames. Study of
projectile motion is not only useful in mechanics but also in electrodynamics. Almost every year 1-2
questions are asked from this chapter. The concept of projectile motion is mainly used in defence
sector.
This book consists of theoritical & practical explanations of all the concepts involved in the chapter.
Each article followed by a ladder of illustration. At the end of the theory part, there are miscellaneous
solved examples which involve the application of multiple concepts of this chapter.
Students are advised to go through all these solved examples in order to develope better
understanding of the chapter and to have better grasping level in the class.
Total number of Questions in Projectile Motion are :
In Chapter Examples ............................................................ 19

Solved Examples .................................................................. 18
Total no. of questions ......................................................... 37
Corporate Office: CP Tower, Road No.1, IPIA, Kota (Raj.), Ph: 0744-2434159
PROJECTILE MOTION
59
INTRODUCTION
(i) Any particle, which once thrown, moves freely

in gravitational field of the earth, is defined as a
projectile.
(ii) It is an example of two dimensional motion with
constant acceleration.
(iii) Parabolic motion can be considered as two
simultaneous motions in mutually perpendicular
directions viz.
(a) Horizontal and (b) Vertical
Concept of Projectile Motion
Example
based on
Ex.1
A ball is dropped from the window of a moving

train on horizontal rails, the path followed by the
ball on reaching the ground will be(A) Straight Line (B) Circular Path
(C) Spiral Path
(D) Parabolic Path
Sol.(D) Because force is constant hence acceleration will
be constant. When force is in oblique direction
with initial velocity, the resultant path is parabolic
path.
Hence correct answer is (D)
Special Note :
The horizontal component of velocity (u cos ) remains
constant where as the vertical component changes
constantly due to acceleration due to gravity 'g'.
In Horizontal Direction
In Vertical Direction
(a) Initial velocity

uy = u sin
(upward)
(a) Initial velocity

ux = u cos
(b) Acceleration = 0
(b) Acceleration a = g
(downward)
(c) Velocity after time t

vx = u cos
(c) Velocity after time t,

vy=uygt=usingt
(d) Horizontal
displacement after
time t
x = ux .t = u cos t
(d) Vertical
displacement after
time t
y = uyt 1/2 gt2
= u sin t (1/2) gt2
(e) Velocity at height h

above the surface
vy2 = uy2 2gh
= u2 sin2 2gh
1. PROJECTILE THROWN FROM THE GROUND

LEVEL
(i) The particle is thrown from the ground level at
an angle from the horizontal velocity u.
usin gt
u
v = u2 + g2t2 2ugt sin
ucos
ucos
h0
(a) Range
(b) Velocity along

horizontal direction
after time t
(c) Horizontal
displacement after
time t
1.1 Velocity at a general point P(x, y) :

v=
v 2x v 2y
vy
The direction of v from
R
(ii) Initial velocity can be resolved into two
components
u cos = Horizontal component
u sin = Vertical component
From Horizontal
Component we obtain
vy = u 2 sin 2 2gh
(one going upwards and
other going downwards)
From Vertical Component

we obtain
(a) Maximum height
(b) Time of flight
(c) Time taken to reach
maximum height
(d) Vertical displacement
after time t
(e) Vertical velocity
horizontal tan =
vy
vx
vx
1.2 Displacement :
S = x i + y j | S | =
In fig. OP gives the

displacement of
projectile in the
position
(x,y)
tan = y/x, is the
angle made by
displacement with
horizontal in the
position (x, y)
x 2 y2
P (x,y)
O x
PROJECTILE MOTION
60
1.3 Trajectory equation :
1.7 The velocity of the projectile at any instant of time t :
y = u sin t (1/2) gt2
v=
x = (u cos ) t
and
From these equations, (eliminating t)

y = x tan
2u cos 2
2
x2
1.4 The maximum height reached by the projectile :
u 2y
u 2 sin 2
h0 =
=
2g
2g
(uy = vertical velocity)
gt
horizontal = tan1 tan

u cos
Note : The trajectory of the missiles, targeted at very

long ranges is not a parabola rather than it is an
ellipse.
1.8 Change in Momentum :
y
1.5 Time of flight of the projectile :

Time taken to reach max. height
u sin
g
(using v = u + gt)
The time interval from initial launch of projectile upto
its return to the ground level is known as the time of
flight (T) of projectile
2u y
2u sin
=
g
g
where uy = vertical velocity
1.6 Horizontal Range of The Projectile :
ui
usin
t =
T =
u 2 g 2 t 2 2ugt sin and its direction from
ucos
(using v2 = u2 + 2gh)
(i) For maximum range, = 45
In this situation
Hmax=
Rmax =
(ii) Final velocity uf = u cos i u sin j

Change in velocity for complete motion
u = uf u i = 2u sin j
(ii) The range of the projectile is same when its

angle of projection from the horizontal is either
or (90 ).
(iii) Also R =
u sin 2 2u sin u cos 2 u x u y

=
=
g
g
g
2
where ux = u cos = horizontal velocity

uy = u sin = vertical velocity
(iii) Change in momentum for complete motion
p = pf p i = m ( uf ui )
= m ( 2 u sin ) j
= 2 m u sin j
(iv) Velocity at the heighest point = uf = u cos i

change in momentum at highest point
(m u f m u i ) = m [u cos i
u2/g
R max
2
uf
(i) Initial velocity ui = u cos i + u sin j
The horizontal distance covered by the projectile

during its time of flight is known as the horizontal
range of the projectile
u 2 sin 2
R=
g
usin
ucos
(u cos i + u sin j )]
= m u sin j
(v) Kinetic energy at highest point = E0 cos2 where

E0 = Initial K.E.
(vi) Magnitude of velocity at height 'h'
By energy conservation law
(1/2) mu2 + 0 = (1/2) mv2 + mgh
v =
u 2 2gh
PROJECTILE MOTION
61
For angle of elevation of 30, we have maximum

height
Special Note :
(a) The direction of acceleration of the projectile is

different from its velocity direction.
h2 =
(b) The acceleration of the projectile remains

constant in magnitude and direction that is why
the path of its motion is parabola.
Example
based on
Ex.2
h1
3
=
h2
1
Hence correct answer is (A)
Comparision with Standard Equation

of Projectile Motion
The path followed by a body projected along

y axis is given as by y =
3 x (1/2) x2.
If
g = 10 m/s2 then the initial velocity of projectile

will be- (x and y are in m)
(A) 3
(C) 10
10 m/s
(D) 10 2 m/s
Sol.(B) Given, that y =
3 x (1/2) x2 ....(1)
The above equation is similar to equation of

trajectory of the projectiles
y = tan x 1/2
u cos 2
Comparing (1) & (2) we get
u2
1/2 = (1/2)
cos2
=g
u2 cos2 60 = 10
u 2 = 40
x2 ....(2)
3
= 60
Ex.4
u2
Example
based on
Ex.5
Ex.3
Relation Between Flight Time &

Maximum Height of a Projectile
If T be the total time of flight of a current of

water and H be the maximum height attained by
it from the point of projection, then H/T will be(u = projection velocity and = projection angle)
(B) (1/4) u sin
(D) 2u sin
Sol.(B) Total time of flight = T =

Maximum height attained H =
(1/4) = 10
Comparatively Height Attained at

Different Projection Angle
When the angle of elevation of a gun are 60 and

30 respectively. The height it shoots are h1 and
h2 respectively, h1/h2 equals to(A) 3/1
(C) 1/2
(B) 2 : 1
(D) 1 : 4
(A) (1/2) u sin

(C) u sin
H
u sin
=
T
4
Hence correct answer is (B)
(B) 1/3
(D) 2/1
Sol.(A) For angle of elevation of 60, we have maximum
u 2 sin 2 60
3u 2
height h1 =
=
2g
8g
2u sin
,
g
u 2 sin 2
2g
Now
u = 2 10 m/s
Example
based on
If t1 be the time taken by a body to clear the top

of a building and t2 be the time spent in air, then
t2 : t1 will be-
Sol.(B) Total time of flight = 2 time taken to reach max.

height t2 = 2t1 t2/t1 = 2/1
u cos 2
2
Flight Time of Projectile
(A) 1 : 2
(C) 1 : 1
tan =
and
Example
based on
(B) 2 10 m/s
3 m/s
u 2 sin 2 30
u2
=
2g
8g
Example
based on
Ex.6
The Concepts of Projectile Motion

A hunter aims his gun and fires a bullet directly
at a monkey on a tree. At the instant bullet leaves
the gun, monkey drops, the bullet:
(A) hits the monkey
(B) mises to hit the monkey

(C) cannot be said
(D) None of these
PROJECTILE MOTION
62
Sol.(A) Initially the height of the monkey

= MB = y = x tan
Let the monkey drop to along line MA and the
bullet reach along the parabolic path OA. If both
reach at A simultaneously, the monkey is hit by
the bullet.
AB = x tan
MA= MB AB
gx 2
2u 2 cos 2
MA = x tan x tan +
=
gx 2
Ex.8
gx
2u cos 2
2
Ex.7
u 2 sin 2 2
range R2 =
g
If a baseball player can throw a ball at maximum

distance = d over a ground, the maximum vertical
height to which he can throw it, will be- (Ball
have same initial speed in each case)
(A) d/2
(B) d
(C) 2d
(D) d/4
R
u sin 2
g
Height
Maximum height
u
....(1)
g
u 2 sin 2
=
2g
u2
Hmax =
2g
From (1) & (2),
Hmax = d/2
R1 = R 2
u 2 sin 2 (90 1 )
=
g
=
u 2 sin 21
g
other angle = 90 1 = 90 15 = 75
Hence correct answer is (C)
Same range conditions of projectile
Example
based on
Ex.9
A projectile can have the same range R for two
angles of projections. If t1 and t2 be the times of

flight in two cases, then the product of times of
flight will be(A) t1t2 R
(C) t1t2 1/R
Maximum range Rmax = d =
u 2 sin 21
g
At an angle of projection 2,
Maximum Range & Maximum Height
Sol.(A) The range
u 2 sin 2
g
At an angle 1, range R1 =
Time taken by the bullet to reach point A,

x
t =
....(2)
u cos
2
Hence from (1), MA = (1/2) gt
The monkey drops through distance (1/2) gt2 in
the same time. So the monkey is hit by the bullet.
Example
based on
A ball projected with speed 'u' at angle of

projection 15 has range R. The other angle of
projection at which the range with same initial
speed 'u' is R
(A) 45
(B) 35
(C) 75
(D) 90
The range is same for two angle 1 and 2

provided 2 = 90 1
M
A
Necessary Condition for Same Range
Sol.(C) Range of projectile, R =
....(1)
2u 2 cos 2
Example
based on
Sol.(A)
t1 =
t2 =
=
....(2)
t1 t 2 =
2u sin
g
(B) t1t2 R2
(D) t1t2 1/R2
2u sin(90 )
g
2 u cos
g
2
2
2 u sin 2
= g.R
g
g
where R is the range, Hence t1t2 R

PROJECTILE MOTION
63
Example
based on
Ex.10
Dependence of Range
In broad jumping does it matter how high you

jump ? What factors determine the span of the
jump?
(A) Yes, u &
(C) No, h &
Sol.(A) Yes, it does matter.
(B) No, u &
(D) None of these
Since for initial speed u and angle of

projectile
u2
2h
u 2 sin 2
=
and
g
2g
sin 2
Height h =
range R =
u sin 2 2h sin 2
=
= 4h cot
g
sin 2
2
The span or range of jump is determined by

initial speed u and angle of projectile or height h.
Example
based on
Ex.11
Change in Momentum of a Projectile
K.E.= (1/2) m (u/ 2 )2

= (1/2) (1/2 mu2)
= (1/2) K = 0.5 K

2. HORIZONTAL PROJECTION
In Horizontal Direction
(i) Initial velocity ux = u
(ii) Acceleration = 0
(iii) Horizontal velocity
of particle remains
same after time t
horizontal velocity
= vx = u
(iv) Range x = ut
A projectile is projected with linear momentum p

making angle with the horizontal. The change
in momentum of the projectile on returning to
the ground will be(A) 2p
(C) 2p sin
(B) 2p cos
(D) 2p tan
Sol.(C) In return journey, the angle made by projectile

with horizontal is (), Hence
p = [ i p cos + j p sin ]
(B) 0.5 K
(D) 0.0 K
Sol. (B) When range is maximum = 45
v=
v 2x v 2y
tan =
u
2gh
vy
vx
gt
R
is angle made by v with horizontal in clockwise

direction
2.2 Displacement :
Now ux = u cos 45 = u/ 2
At the highest point, the net velocity of projectile

is ux
(iv) Displacement
y = (1/2) gt2
(downward)
v=
(A) 0.25 K
(C) 0.75 K
(iii) Velocity of the

particle after time t
vy = 0 + (g) t
= gt = gt (downward)
2.1 Velocity at a general point P(x, y):
Kinetic energy of a projectile

A projectile is projected with kinetic energy K. If
it has the maximum possible horizontal range, then
its kinetic energy at the highest point will be-
(ii) Acceleration = 'g'

downward
vy =
Ex.12
(i) Initial velocity

uy = 0
(v) Velocity at height h

vy2 = 02 +2(h) (g)
[ i p cos () + j p sin (] = j 2p sin
Example
based on
In Vertical Direction
S = x i + y j
|S | =
x 2 y2
PROJECTILE MOTION
64
2.3 Trajectory Equation :

x
= vxt = ut
y = (1/2)
eliminating t, we get
y = (1/2)
gt2
vy
Ex.13
v
gx 2
u2
t =+
2.5 Range:
Note :
(C)
h = vyt (1/2) gt2

= 0 1/2 gt2
t =
2h
g
2h
g
( negative time is not possible)

R = ux t = u
2h
g
(i) If a projectile is projected with initial velocity u

and another particle is dropped from same height
at the same time, both the projectile would strike
the ground with same vertical velocity. Both will
have same vertical components of velocity but
their net velocities would be different.
(ii) Relative motion of one
projectile w.r.t. motion of
particle dropped from
same height at the same
time would be in straight
line joining them.
A ball rolls off top of a stair way with a horizontal

velocity u m/s. If the steps are h m high and
b meters wide, the ball will just hit the edge of
nth step if n equals to(A)
This is equation of trajectory

2.4 Time of flight:
Second Equation of Motion of

Projectile Under Gravity
Example
based on
vx
v
v
(iii) All the particles thrown with same initial velocity

would strike the ground with same speed at
different times irrespective of their initial direction
of velocities.
(a) Time would be least for the particle thrown with
velocity v downward i.e. particle (1)
(b) Time would be maximum for the particle thrown
with velocity v vertically upwards i.e. particle (2)
gb
(B)
2hu 2
(D)
u 2g
gb 2
2u 2 g
gb 2
hb 2
th
Sol.(C) If the ball hits the n
u
step, the horizontal h
1
and vertical distances
b
2
traversed are nb and nh
respectively. Let t be
the time taken by
the ball for these
nth step
horizontal and vertical
R
displacement. Then
velocity
along
horizontal direction remains constant = u initial
vertical velocity is zero
nb = ut
....(1)
2
nh = 0 + (1/2) gt
....(2)
From (1) & (2) we get
nh = (1/2) g (nb/u)2
n =
2hu 2
gb 2
hu 2
Equation of Projectile Motion
Example
based on
Ex.14
(eleminating t)
An aeroplane is in a level flight of 144 km/hr at

an altitude of 1000 m. How far horizontally from
a given target should a bomb be released from it
to hit the target ?
(A) 571.43 m
(C) 471.34 m
Sol.(A) y = (1/2) gt2 (downward)
(B) 671.43 m
(D) 371.34 m
1000 = (1/2) 10 t2
t
= 14.15 sec
14410 3
x = ut = 6060
14.15= 571.43 m
PROJECTILE MOTION
65
Example
based on
Flight Time & Horizontal Distance of a

Projectile
Ex.15
An aeroplane is flying horizontally with a velocity

of 720 km/h at an altitude of 490 m. When
it is just vertically above the target a bomb
is dropped from it. How far horizontally it missed
the target?
(A) 1000 m
(B) 2000 m
(C) 100 m
(D) 200 m
Sol.(B) Horizontal component of velocity
Ex.17
An aeroplane when it is vertically above the

point A on the ground, drops a bomb which
hits target B on the ground. If the plane is
moving at a height of 1.96 km from the ground
with a speed of 300 m/sec, the distance between
A and B (neglecting air resistance) is(A) 6000 m
(B) 196 m
(C) 1.96 m
(D) 19.6 m
Sol.(A) Let x be the distance between A and B, then
2h
g
Horizontal projection from an altitude
x=u
= 720 5/8 = 200 m/s
Let t be the time taken for a freely falling body

from 490. Then
y = (1/2) gt2
490 = (1/2) 9.8 t2
t = 10 second
Now horizontal distance
= Velocity time = 200 10 = 2000 m
Hence the bomb missed the target by 2000 m

Ex.16
An aeroplane is flying in a horizontal direction

with a velocity 600 km/hr and at a height 1960 m.
When it is vertically below the point A, on the
ground, a body is dropped from it. The body
strikes the ground at point B. The distance AB
equal to
(A) 3.333 km
(C) 333.3 km
(B) 33.33 km
(D) 33.33 m
Sol.(A) The velocity of plane in horizontal direction

v x = 600 km/hr
= (500/3) m/s
Initial velocity of body in vertical direction
vy = 0
If t is time taken by the body to reach the earth,

then from relation
s = ut + (1/2) at2
we have
h = (1/2) gt2
t=
2h
=
g
2 1960
= 20 sec
9.8
Distance traversed by body in horizontal direction
AB = vx t
(500/3) 20 = 3.333 km
Range of Projectile
Example
based on
2 1960
9 .8
= 6000 m
= 300
3. PROJECTILE THROWN ON AN INCLINED

PLANE
The particle is thrown from a plane OB inclined at an

angle with the horizontal with a constant velocity
u in a direction making an angle with the horizontal.
u
3.1 Range : O
os(
c
u
n
g si
)
g cos
A
The motion of the projectile can be resolved with two

components
Horizontally
OA = s = uxt
= u cos t
....(1)
Vertically
AB = h = uyt (1/2) gt2
= usin t (1/2) gt2 ....(2)
Also
h = OB sin = R sin ....(3)
and
s = R cos
....(4)
(where OB = R= Range of projectile)
Eliminating 't' from (1) & (2) and then putting in (3)
we get
3.2 Time of flight :
R=
g cos 2
s = R cos
u cos (T) = R cos
T =
[Putting the value of R]
2 u 2 sin( ) cos
2 u sin( )
g cos
PROJECTILE MOTION
66
3.3 For maximum range on inclined plane angle of

projection = /4 + /2.
EF = x2 = vx t = 3.5 3 0.77
= 4.668 m
Also
x1 = ED = BC = AC cot 30
= 2.5 3 = 4.33 m
3.4 Time taken by the projectile to reach the ground
2h
g
level t =
Example
based on
Ex.18
Total distance
x = x1 + x2
= 4.33 + 4.668
= 8.998 m
Second & Third Equation of Motion of

Projectile Motion Under Gravity
A block of ice starts sliding down from the

top of the inclined roof of a house (angle
of inclination of roof = 30 with the horizontal)
along a line of maximum slope. The highest
and lowest point of roof are at heights of
8.1 m and 5.6 m respectively from the ground.
At what horizontal distance from the starting
point will the block hit the ground (neglect
friction)
(A) 4.33 m
(B) 14.33 m
(C) 8.998 m
(D) 0.668 m
Sol.(C) The ice block sliding on roof AB travels a vertical

distance
AC = (8.1 5.6)m = 2.5 m
If v is the velocity of block at B then we have
the relation
v 2 = u2 + 2as
Here
u = 0, s = h1 = AC = 2.5 m
and
a = g = 9.8 m/s2
v 2 = 0 + 2 9.8 2.5
v = 7 m/s along BG
The horizontal and vertical (downwards)
components of velocity are given by
vcos30
v
F
x2
30
vsin30
5.6 m
x1
2.5m
C
8.1m
3
vx = v cos 30 = 7
= 3.5 3 m/s
2
vy = v sin 30 = 7 1/2 = 3.5 m/s
The time taken by the block to reach the ground
is determined by vertical motion by the relation
S = ut + (1/2) at2
Here
S = h2 = 5.6, u = vy = 3.5 m/s
Example
based on
Ex.19
Concepts of Projectile Motion
Two bodies of masses 5 kg and 80 kg are at

same height if one is dropped vertically downward
and another one horizontally with same initial
velocity, which one will reach on earth sooner?
(A) Heavier
(B) Lighter
(C) Both on same time
(D) Unpredictable
Sol.(C) Both will reach on ground at the same time,

as the time taken to reach the ground does
not depend upon mass of a body
1.
2.
3.
4.
POINTS TO REMEMBER
Time of flight of projectile is

T =
Range of projectile is
u 2 sin 2
g
Maximum height attained by the projectile
R=
u 2 sin 2
is
H =
2g
Range of projectile along an inclined plane is
R=
5.
2u sin
g
u 2 sin 2 ( 0 ) cos
g cos 2 0
where = angle of projection, 0 = angle of the

inclined plane.
Time of flight on inclined plane is
a = g = 9.8 m/s2
5.6 = 3.5 t + (1/2) 9.8 t2
t = 0.77s
Horizontal distance
T =
2u sin ( 0 )
g cos 0
PROJECTILE MOTION
67
Ex.1
SOLVED EXAMPLE
The co-ordinates of a moving particle at any time

t are given by x = ct2 and y = bt2. The speed of
the particle is given by-
Ex.4
j are unit vectors along x and y-axes

respectively. If the particle is at the origin at
t = 0, then its distance from the origin at time
t = 3/2 will be-
c2 b2
(A) 2t (c + b)
(B) 2t
(C) t c 2 b 2
(D) 2t c 2 b 2
Sol.(D) vx = dx/dt = 2ct, vy = dy/dt = 2bt
v=
Ex.2
v 2x v 2y = 2t
(A)
3u 2
a2
2
(B)
3u 0
(C)
3u 2
a
2
(D)
4 u 2
a2
2
The height y and the distance x along the

horizontal at plane of the projectile on a certain
planet (with no surrounding atmosphere) are
given by y = (8t 5t2) metre and x = 6t metre
where t is in seconds. The velocity with which
the projectile is projected is(A) 8 m/s
(B) 6 m/s
(C) 10 m/s
(D) Data is insufficient
Sol.(C) vy = dy/dt = 8 10 t = 8, when t = 0 (at the time
of projection.)
v 2x v 2y
vx = dx/dt = 6, v =
=
Ex.3
A particle is moving in a plane with a velocity
given by, u = u0 i + (a cos t) j , where i and
8 2 6 2 = 10 m/s
A body is thrown at an angle 30 to the horizontal

with the velocity of 30 m/s. After 1 sec, its
velocity will be (in m/s)
(g = 10 m/s2)
(A) 10 7
Sol.(A) Let ux and uy be the components of the velocity

of the particle along the x- and y-directions.
Then
ux = dx/dt = u0 and uy = dy/dt = a cos t
Integration : x = u0 t and y = a sin t
Eliminating t : y = a sin x/u0)
This is the equation of the trajectory
At t = 3/2, we have, x = u0 3/2 and
y = a sin 3/2 = a
The distance of the particle from the origin is
(B) 700 10
(C) 100 7
3u 2
2
0
=
x y
2
(D) 10
Sol.(A) Horizontal component of velocity
vx = ux = u cos = 30 cos 30 = 15 3 m/s

Vertical component of the velocity
vy = u sin gt = 30
sin 30 10 1 = 5 m/s
v2 = vx2 + vy2 = 700
u = 10
7 m/s
a2
Ex.5
A ball thrown by one player reaches the other in

2 sec. The maximum height attained by the ball
above the point of projection will be about(A) 2.5 m
(B) 5 m
(C) 7.5 m
(D) 10 m
PROJECTILE MOTION
68
Sol.(B) T =
2u sin
g
2=
u sin = g
2u sin
g
Ex.8
A particle is projected with a velocity u so that

its horizontal range is twice the greatest height
attained. The horizontal range is(A) u2/g
(B) 2u2 /3g
2
(C) 4u /5g
(D) u2/2g
Sol.(C) Greatest height attained
u 2 sin 2
g2
g
=
=
=5m
2g
2g
2
H=
Ex.6
h=
Kalpit and Mukesh are playing with two different

balls of masses m and 2m respectively. If Kalpit
throws his ball vertically up and Mukesh at an
angle , both of them stay in our view for the
same period. The height attained by the two
balls are in the ratio(A) 2 : 1
(B) 1 : 1
(C) 1 : cos
(D) 1 : sec
Sol.(B) Let u1 and u2 be the initial velocities respectively.
If h1 and h2 are the heights attained by them,
then
u12
u 22 sin 2
h1 =
and h2 =
2g
2g
u1 = u2 sin
... (2)
u12
h1
From eq. (1) h = 2
u 2 sin 2
2
... (3)
h1
1
From (2) & (3), h =
1
2

Ex.7
A projectile is thrown at angle and (900 ) from

the same point with same velocity 98 m/s. The
heights attained by them, if the difference of
heights is 50 m will be- (in m)
(A) 270, 220
(B) 300, 250
(C) 250, 200
(D) 200, 150
Sol.(A) h1 =
u 2 sin 2
u 2 sin 2 (90 )
and h2 =
2g
2g
h1 + h2 = u2/2g (sin2 + cos2)

=
h1 h2 = 50,
u2/2g
98
=
= 490
2 10
R=
u 2 sin 2
2u 2 sin cos
=
g
g
... (2)
Given that R=2h
2u 2 sin cos
2u 2 sin 2
=
g
2g
tan = 2
Hence sin = 2/ 5 , cos = 1/ 5 ,
... (3)
From (2) R = 4u2/5g

Ex.9
Mr C.P. Nawani kicked off a football with an

initial speed 19.6 m/s at a projection angle 45. A
receiver on the goal line 67.4 m away in the
direction of the kick starts running to meet the
ball at that instant. What must be his speed so
that he could catch the ball before hitting the
ground ?
(A) 2.82 m/s
(B) 2/ 2 m/s
(C) 39.2 m/s

Sol.(D) R =
(D) 10 m/s
u 2 sin 2
= (19.6)2 sin 90 /10 = 39.2 m
g
Man must run (67.4m 39.2 m) = 28.2 m in the

time taken by the ball to come to ground. Time
taken by the ball.
t=
2u sin
2 19.6 sin 45
=
g
9.8
=
h1 = 270 m and h2 = 220 m
... (1)
Horizontal range
...(1)
The times of ascent of balls are equal, we have

t = u1/g = u2 sin /g
u 2 sin 2
2g
= 2.82 sec
Velocity of man =
28 . 2 m
2 . 82 sec
= 10 m/s
PROJECTILE MOTION
69
A ball 'A' is projected from origin with an initial

velocity v0 = 700 cm/sec in a direction 37 above
the horizontal as shown in fig .Another ball 'B'
300 cm from origin on a line 37 above the
horizontal is released from rest at the instant A
starts. How far will B have fallen when it is hit
by A ?
v sin
usin
Ex.10
=3
00
cm
OB
A
y-axis
2u 2
x
or y = x tan 1 g sin cos
(A) 9 cm
(B) 90 cm
(C) 0.9 cm
(D) 900 cm
Sol.(B) Let the ball B hits the ball A after t sec
The X-component of velocity of A is
v0 cos 37 = 700 cos 37
The X-compoment of position of B is
300 cos 37
The collision will take place when the
X-coordinate of A is the same as that of B.
As the collision takes place at a time t, hence
700 cos 37 t = 300 cos 37
or t = (300/700) = (3/7) sec
In this time the ball B has fallen through a
distance
y = 1/2 gt2 (Free fall of body B)
= 1/2 980 (3 / 7)2 = 90 cm
Hence the ball B falls a distance 90 cm
Ex.11
A ball is thrown from ground level so as to just

clear a wall 4 metres high at a distance of
4 metres and falls at a distance of 14 metres from
the wall. The magnitude velocity of the ball will
be(A)
(C)
182 m/s
185 m/s
(B)
(D)
181 m/s
186 m/s
Sol.(A) Referring to (fig.) let P be a point on the trajectory

whose co-ordinates are (4, 4). As the ball strikes
the ground at a distance 14 metre from the wall,
the range is 4 + 14 = 18 metre. The equation
of trajectory is
y = x tan (1/2) g
B X
gx
or y = x tan 1
2
2
2 u cos . tan
u P v cos
h
A ucos
37
x2
u 2 cos 2
x
= x tan 1
R
... (1)
here x = 4, y = 4 and R = 18
7
4 = 4 tan 1 18 = 4 tan 9
or tan = 9/7, sin = 9/ 130 and

cos = 7/ 130
Again R = (2/g) u2 sin cos
= (2/9.8) u2 (9/ 130 ) (7/ 130 )
u2 =
u=
18 9.8 130 130

98 13
=
= 182,
2 9 7
7
182 metre per second.

Ex.12
A ball is projeced from O with an initial velocity

700 cm/s in a direction 37 above the horizontal.
A ball B, 500 cm away from O on the line of the
initial velocity of A, is released from rest at the
instant A is projected. The height through which
B falls, before it is hit by A and the direction and
magnitude of the velocity A at the time of impact
will respectively be[given g = 10 m/s 2 , sin 37 = 0.6 and
cos 37 = 8.0]
(A) 250 cm, 28 42'
(B) 255 cm, 27 43'
(C) 245 cm, 20 44'
(D) 300 cm, 27 43'
PROJECTILE MOTION
70
Hence 3u cos = u or cos
Sol.(B) The situation is shown in fig.

(a) Let the ball collide after t sec
From fig. OC = OB cos 37 = 500 cos 37
= 500 0.8 = 400 cm
...(1)
Horizontal velocity = 700 cos 37
OC = 700 cos
t
= 700 0.8 t = 560 t
... (2)
From eqs. (1) and (2) 560 t = 400
or t = (5/7) sec.
Now h = (1/2) g t2 = (1/2) 1000 (5/7)2
= 255.1 cm
(b) Let at the time of impact, vx and vy be the
horizontal and vertical velocities respectively,
then
vx = 700 cos 37 = 700 0.8
= 560 cm/s
and vy = 700 sin 37 + 1000 (5/7)
= 700 0.6 + (5000/7) = 420 + 714.3
= + 294.3 cm/sec (downward)
= 1/3 or sin =
The vertical component of velocity at the ground

u
37
20 m
3 8
= 3u sin =
=
3
A
O
70
/
cm
0
37
0c
vy
400cm
vx
v
velocity
Ex.14
Again tan =
vy
vx
A ball is thrown horizontally from a height of 20 m.

It hits the ground with a velocity three times its
initial velocity. The initial velocity of ball is(A) 2 m/s
(B) 3 m/s
(C) 5 m/s
(D) 7 m/s
Sol.(D) Initial velocity is constant let the ball touches
the ground at an angle and velocity 3u
A projectile thrown from a height of 10 m with
velocity of 2 m/s, the projectile will fall, from

the foot of projection, at distance-(g = 10 m/s2)
(A) 1 m
(B) 2 m
2m
Sol.(B) The horizontal range of the projectile on the
(D)
ground R = u
Ex.15
2h
g
2 10
= 2 . 2 = 2m
10
R= 2
294 .3
560
294 .3
= 27 43'
or = tan1
560
8u
(C) 3m
( v 2x v 2y )
v = [(560) 2 ( 294.3) 2 ] = 632.6 cm/sec
( 8 u)2 0 = 2 9.8 20 or u = 7 m/s
Velocity of the ball at the time of collision

v =
8u
For a freely falling body it covers 20 m to acquire
50
8 /3
Savita throws a ball horizontally with a velocity

of 8 m/s from the top of the her building. The ball
strikes to her brother Sudhir playing at 12 m
away from the building. What is the height of
the building ?
(A) 11m
(B) 10 m
(C) 8 m
(D) 7 m
Sol.(A) R = ut
t = R/u = 12/8
Now h = (1/2) gt2

= (1/2) 9.8 (12/8)2 = 11 m
Ex.13
Ex.16
A body is projected downdwards at an angle of

30 to the horizontal with a velocity of 9.8 m/s
from the top of a tower 29.4 m high. How long
will it take before striking the ground(A) 1s
(B) 2s
(C) 3s
PROJECTILE MOTION
(D) 4s
71
Sol.(B) The situation is shown in the adjoining figure.

The time taken by the body is equal to the time
taken by the freely falling body from the height
29.4 m. Initial velocity of body
30
v
Hence the distance of aeroplane from the enemy

post is 1/6 km = 1000/6 m = 500/3 meter.
The trajectory of the bomb as seen by an

observer on the ground is parabola. Since the
horizontal velocity of the bomb is the same as
that of the aeroplane, the falling bomb will always
remain below the aeroplane. Hence the person
sitting inside the aeroplane will observe the bomb
falling vertically downward.
29.4 m
B
A
u sin = 9.8 sin 30 = 4.9 m/s
From the relation, h = u sin t + (1/2) gt2,
we get 29.4 = 4.9 t + (1/2) 9.8 t2
Ex.17
t = 2 sec
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 ? (g = 9.8 m/s2). What is the trajectory
of the bomb as seen by an observer on the
earth? What as seen by a person sitting inside
the aeroplane?
500
(A)
m vertical downward, parabola
3
500
(B)
m parabola, vertical downward
3
500
(C)
m vertical downward, vertical downward
3
500
(D)
m parabola, parabola
3
Sol.(B) The horizontal and vertical velocities of the bomb
are independent to each other. The time taken by
the bomb to hit the target can be calculated by
its vertical motion. Let this time be t. Putting
h = 490 m and
g = 9.8 m/s2 in the formula h = 1/2 gt2,
we have
490 = (1/2) 9.8 t2,
t=

Ex.18
A ball is thrown from the top of a tower with an

initial velocity of 10 m/s at an angle of 30 above
the horizontal. It hits the ground at a distance of
17.3 m from the base of the tower. The height of
the tower (g = 10 m/s2) will be
(A) 10 m
(C) 110 m
Sol.(A) The angle of projection of the ball is 0 ( = 30)

and the velocity of projection is u ( = 10 m/s).
Resolving u in horizontal and vertical
components,
we have horizontal component,
ux = u cos 0 = 10 cos 30 = 8.65 m/s

and vertical component (upward),
uy = u sin 30 = 5.0 m/s
If the ball hit the ground after t sec of projection,

then the horizontal range is
R = ux t = 8.65 t meter
t=
= 60 km/hr 10 sec
= 60 km/hr 10/(60 60) hr = 1/6 km
R
17 .3m
=
= 2.0 s
8 .65
8 .65 m / s
If h be the height of the tower,

then h = u'y t + (1/2) g t2,
where uy' is the vertical component

(downward) of the velocity of the ball.
uy
h
2 490
= 10 sec
9.8
The bomb will hit the target after 10 sec of its

dropping. The horizontal velocity of the bomb is
60 km/hr which is constant. Hence the horizontal
distance travelled by the bomb in 10 sec
(horizontal velocity time)
(B) 12 m
(D) 100 m
u
ux
Tower
R=17.3m
Here uy = uy' = 5.0 m/s and t = 2.0 s
h = (5.0) 2.0 + 1/2 10 (2.0)2

= 10 + 20 = 10 meter
PROJECTILE MOTION
72

Projectile Motion CP

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PROJECTILE MOTION

Total number of Questions in Projectile Motion are :

In Chapter Examples ............................................................ 19

(i) Any particle, which once thrown, moves freely

Concept of Projectile Motion

A ball is dropped from the window of a moving

(a) Initial velocity

(a) Initial velocity

(c) Velocity after time t

(c) Velocity after time t,

(e) Velocity at height h

1. PROJECTILE THROWN FROM THE GROUND

v = u2 + g2t2 2ugt sin

(b) Velocity along

1.1 Velocity at a general point P(x, y) :

The direction of v from

From Vertical Component

In fig. OP gives the

1.3 Trajectory equation :

1.7 The velocity of the projectile at any instant of time t :

y = u sin t (1/2) gt2

From these equations, (eliminating t)

1.4 The maximum height reached by the projectile :

horizontal = tan1 tan

Note : The trajectory of the missiles, targeted at very

1.5 Time of flight of the projectile :

where uy = vertical velocity

1.6 Horizontal Range of The Projectile :

u 2 g 2 t 2 2ugt sin and its direction from

(i) For maximum range, = 45

(ii) Final velocity uf = u cos i u sin j

(ii) The range of the projectile is same when its

u sin 2 2u sin u cos 2 u x u y

where ux = u cos = horizontal velocity

(iii) Change in momentum for complete motion

(iv) Velocity at the heighest point = uf = u cos i

(i) Initial velocity ui = u cos i + u sin j

The horizontal distance covered by the projectile

(v) Kinetic energy at highest point = E0 cos2 where

By energy conservation law

(1/2) mu2 + 0 = (1/2) mv2 + mgh

For angle of elevation of 30, we have maximum

(a) The direction of acceleration of the projectile is

(b) The acceleration of the projectile remains

Comparision with Standard Equation

The path followed by a body projected along

g = 10 m/s2 then the initial velocity of projectile

Sol.(B) Given, that y =

The above equation is similar to equation of

Relation Between Flight Time &

If T be the total time of flight of a current of

Sol.(B) Total time of flight = T =

Comparatively Height Attained at

When the angle of elevation of a gun are 60 and

(A) (1/2) u sin

Sol.(A) For angle of elevation of 60, we have maximum

If t1 be the time taken by a body to clear the top

Sol.(B) Total time of flight = 2 time taken to reach max.

Flight Time of Projectile

The Concepts of Projectile Motion

(B) mises to hit the monkey

Sol.(A) Initially the height of the monkey

If a baseball player can throw a ball at maximum