EXERCISE # 1

(A) (1/2) u sin  (B) (1/4) u sin 

Questions Two dimensional motion :
based on General study (C) u sin  (D) 2u sin 
Sol.[B] Given : T – time period, H – maximum height
Q.1 A bullet is fired in a horizontal direction from
u 2 sin 2 
a tower while a stone is simultaneously
H 2g 1
dropped from the same point then - = = u sin .
T 2u sin  4
(A) The bullet and the stone will reach the g
ground simultaneously
(B) The stone will reach earlier
Q.3 If a baseball player can throw a ball at
(C) The bullet will reach earlier
maximum distance = d over a ground, the
(D) Nothing can be predicted
maximum vertical height to which he can
(Bullet)
u  – Ve throw it, will be (Ball have same initial speed
(stone)  + Ve in each case) -
Sol.[A] H (A) d/2 (B) d (C) 2d (D) d/4
u2
Sol.[A] R = = d (given)
g

u2 d
For bullet, using Hmax. = =
2g 2
1
sy = uy tB + ay t 2B
2
Q.4 What is the average velocity of a projectile
1 between the instants is crosses half the
H = 0 (tB) + g t 2B
2
maximum height. It is projected with a speed
2H u at an angle  with the horizontal-
tB =
g (A) u sin (B) u cos
(C) u tan (D) u
1
For stone, s = uts + a t S2 Sol.[B] Average velocity in time interval when it
2
crosses half of maximum height
1 2
H = 0(ts) + gts vertical displacement = 0 so v y = 0
2
horizontal velocity remains constant
2H
ts = so vav = u cos .
g

t B = tS Q.5 An artillery piece which consistently shoots

Hence both reach ground simultaneously its shell with the same muzzle speed has a
maximum range of R. To hit a target which
Questions Projectile motion : Projectile hitting is R/2 from the gun and on the same level, at
based on ground at same horizontal level
what elevation angle should the gun be
pointed(height of gun from ground in
Q.2 If T be the total time of flight of a current of
neglected)-
water and H be the maximum height attained
(A) 30º (B) 45º (C) 60º (D) 75º
by it from the point of projection, then H/T will
be - (u = projection velocity,  = projection
angle)

PROJECTILE MOTION 101

101
 u 2 sin 2' u 4 4 sin 2  cos 2  u 2 sin 2 2
= =
R' 1 g 16g 2 16g 2
Sol.[D] = = 2
R 2 u sin 2 2
 u 2 sin 2 
g 16 hh' =   = R2 
g 
1 sin 2'  
=
2 sin 2   R= 16hh ' = 4 hh '
sin 2'
= sin 30º
1 Q.8 Two stones are projected with the same speed
2' = 30º; ' = 15º or 75º but making different angles with the
' = 15º, 75º (15 is not in option) horizontal. Their ranges are equal. If the
so 75º is correct angle of projection of one is /3 and its
maximum height is y1 then the maximum
Q.6 A large number of bullets are fired in all height of the other will be –
directions with the same speed v from ground. (A) 3y1 (B) 2y1 (C) y1/2 (D) y1/3
What is the maximum area on the ground on Sol.[D] Let speed of projection be u. For same range the
which these bullets will spread (height of gun
angle of projection are  and 90° – 
from ground assume negligible)-
 Angle of projection in other case
v 2 v 4 2 v4 2 v2
(A) (B) 2 (C) (D)   
g g g2 g2 =  
2 3 6
v2
Sol.[B] Rmax = 
g u 2 sin 2
3 = 3  u 
2
 In 1 case, y1 =
st

 v2  v4
2 2g 4  2g 

Area of ground = R 2max =    =  2
 g  g
  
u 2 sin 2
6 = 1  u 
2
In IInd case, y2 =
Q.7 A cannon ball has a range R on a horizontal 2g 4  2g 
plane. If h and h' are the greatest heights in y1
the two paths for which this is possible, then– Clearly, y1 = 3y2 or y2 =
3
4h
(A) R = 4 hh ' (B) R =
h'
Q.9 An object is thrown at an angle  to the
(C) R = 4 h h' (D) R = hh ' horizontal (0º <  < 90º) with a velocity .
Sol.[A] For same range there are two possible angles of Then during ascent (ignoring air drag) the
projection  and 90° –  acceleration –
Let u be velocity of projection 
2 (A) With which the object moves is g at all
u sin 2
R=
g points
(B) Tangential to the path decreases
u 2 sin 2 
In 1st case, h = (C) Normal to the path increases, becoming
2g
equal to g at the highest point
u 2 sin 2 (90  ) u 2 cos 2  (D) All of the above
In IInd case, h' = =
2g 2g
u 4 sin 2  cos 2  Sol.[D] (a)
 hh' = g g g g g
4g 2 gg g
 g
O
PROJECTILE MOTION 102
102
  3
The only force acting on the particle is m g 20   10  t
vy u sin 60º gt 2
  tan  =  
F mg vx  cos 60º 1
Hence acceleration = =

= g at all 20 
m m 2
points 3 t

tan 45º = 2 2
1

2
(b) g
 3t
1=
  g 1

Clearly, tangential component of acceleration = t = ( 3  1)

g cos  = g cos (90° – ) = g sin 

Questions Projectile thrown from some height above
As the ball ascends  decreases (as is clear from based on ground, Projection on inclined plane
fig. 2 < 1) Hence tangential component of
Q.11 An aeroplane was flying horizontally with a
acceleration decreases.
velocity of 720 km/h at an altitude of 490 m.
(c) Normal component of acceleration = g sin  When it is just vertically above the target a
= g sin (90°–) = g cos  bomb is dropped from it. How far
horizontally it missed the target ?
 As the ball ascends  decreases hence aN
(A) 1000 m (B) 2000 m
increases and becomes g at the highest point of (C) 100 m (D) 200 m
path Sol.[B]
plane

Q.10 A projectile is thrown with a velocity of 20

m/s, at an angle of 60º with the horizontal. h = 490 m
After how much time the velocity vector will
make an angle of 45º with the horizontal (in
upward direction) is (take g = 10m/s2) - target d
Horizontal velocity of plane = 720km/hr
(A) 3 sec (B) 1/ 3 sec = 200 m/s.
(C) ( 3 – 1) sec (D) None of these Time taken by bomb to reach the surface
1
Sol.[C] y = gt2
2
v 2y 2  490
t2 = =
g 9 .8
45° t2 = 100 sec; t = 10 sec
In this time interval horizontal distance travelled
by bomb = vx × t = 200 × 10 = 2000 m
60° so correct option is (B)
As horizontal component of velocity remains
unchanged Q.12 From the top of a tower of height h a body of
So, 20 cos 60° = 10 mass m is projected in the horizontal
vy
v direction with a velocity v, it falls on the
ground at a distance x from the tower. If a
 vx body of mass 2m is projected from the top of
another tower of height 2h in the horizontal
direction so that it falls on the ground at a
PROJECTILE MOTION 103
103
 distance 2x from the tower, the horizontal (D) None of the above
velocity of the second body is - Sol.[B] v
V V 
(A) 2v (B) 2 V (C) (D)
2 2 H
Sol.[B]
x T
v2 = ?
x
tan  = ; x = vT
v1 = v H
h2 = 2h
h1=h x = H tan  ;
1 2 2
x H= gt ; t = 2H/g
2
2x
2H v 2H
1 x=v× ; tan  =
h1 = gt12 g H g
2

1 2  2 
h2 = gt2 =  = tan–1  v 
2  gH 
1 2 so correct option is (B)
gt 1
h
= 2 [Given h1 = h, h2 = 2h]
2h 1 2 Q.14 A stunt performer is to run and dive off a tall
gt 2
2 platform and land in a net in the back of a
t 12 1 truck below. Originally the truck is directly
= ; t2 = 2 t1 …(1) under the platform, it starts forward with a
t 22 2
constant acceleration a at the same instant the
R1 = vx1 × t1; R2 = vx2 × t2 [R1 = x, R2 = 2x] performer leaves the platform. If the platform
is H above the net in the truck, then the
1 v x1  t 1 v x1 1 1
= ;  = horizontal velocity u that the performer must
2 vx2  t 2 vx2 2 2
have as he leaves the platform is –
v x1 = v1 , v x 2 = v2
u

v2 = 2 v1 so correct option is (B)

H
Q.13 A bomber is moving with a velocity v (m/s)
above H meter from the ground. The bomber
a
releases a bomb to hit a target T as shown in
figure Then the relation between , H and v is-
 (A) a 2H / g (B) a H / 2g
v
 (C) g / 2H (D) None of these
H Sol.[B] Let t be the time taken by the stunt performer to

T fall a height H into the net,

(A)  = tan–1 v 2Hg 1

using sy = uy t + ay t2
2
(B)  = tan–1 v 2 / gH
1 2 2H
(C)  = tan–1v H / 2g H = (0) t + gt  t =
2 g
PROJECTILE MOTION 104
104
 Horizontal distance covered by stunt performer from North-East Ans. (C)

2H
in time t is = ut = u = Hs Q.16 A car A is going north-east at 80km/hr. and
g
another car B is going south-east at 60km/hr.
Horizontal distance covered by truck in time t is
Then the direction of the velocity of A
1 2 1  2H  relative to B makes with the north an angle 
HT = 0(t) a t = a  
2 2  g  such that tan is –
For performer to fall in the net, (A) 1/7 (B) 3/4
H s = HT (C) 4/3 (D) 3/5
Sol.[A]
2H aH H
u = u=a N
g g 2g 
vA = 80 Km/hr
Questions
based on
Two dimensional : Relative motion W E 45º

45º

Q.15 To an observer moving along East, the wind S
vB = 60 Km/hr

appears to blow from North. If he doubles his   

v AB = v A – v B
speed , the air would appear to come from -
(A) North (B) East vAB
–vB = 60 Km/hr vA = 80 Km/hr
(C) North-East (D) North-West

Sol.[C] 45º 45º
N

W E 
vAB sin  = 80 sin 45º – 60 cos 45º
vO1

v wO1 = 10 2 Km/hr
S vAB cos  = 80 sin 45º + 60 sin 45º
   = 70 2 Km/hr
v wO1 = v  – v O1
1
  tan  =
v O1 : Velocity of observer 1st time 7

v wO1 : Velocity of wind with respect to
observer 1
Q.17 A boat man could row his boat with a speed

10m/sec. He wants to take his boat from P to
v wO 2 : Velocity of wind with respect to
a point Q just opposite on the other bank of
observer 2 the river flowing at a speed 4m/sec. He
    
v wO 2 = v w – v O 2 = v w – 2 v O1 should row his boat –

 
(A) at right angle to the stream
= v wO1 – v O1
(B) at an angle of sin–1 (2/5) with PQ up the

– vO1 stream
(C) at an angle of sin–1 (2/5) with PQ down

v wO 2 the stream

v wO1

PROJECTILE MOTION 105

105
 (D) at an angle cos–1 (2/5) with PQ down the rain away. He thrown the umbrella and starts
stream running at 10 km/h. He finds that rain drop
Sol.[B]
are hitting his head vertically. Find the speed
Q of rain w.r.t. road-

vBR (A) 10 km/s (B) 20 km/h

Vr = 4 m/s
 (C) 10 3 km/s (D) 20 3 km/h
P Sol.[B]
Velocity of boat with respect to ground must be 
along line] v RM

vBR = Velocity of boat wrt river 

30º vr
      10 Km/hr
v BR = v B – v R  v B = v BR + v R

As v B is along PQ. (2)
 vBR sin  = vr (1)

 v   4
or  = sin–1  R  = sin   
 v BR   10  v RM (velocity of rain with respect to man) is
  
2 vertical downward v RM = v R – v M
 angle sin   with PQ up the stream Ans. (B)
5
30º
 
vR vRM
Q.18 A bus moves over a straight level road with
an acceleration a . A boy in the bus drops a
ball outside. The acceleration of the ball with –vRM
respect to the bus and the earth are  
respectively - | v R | sin 30º = | v M |

(A) a and g 10Km / hr 10Km / hr

 vR = = = 20 Km/hr
sin 30º 1/ 2
(B) a + g and g – a

(C) a 2  g 2 and g Questions

Condition for collision of two particles
based on

(D) a 2  g 2 and a 
Q.20 A ball A is projected from origin with an
Sol.[C] Acceleration respect to bus
a initial velocity v0 = 700 cm/s, in a direction
37º above the horizontal as shown in fig.
Another ball B 300 cm from origin on a line
ar = a 2  g2 37º above the horizontal is released from rest
at the instant A starts. then how far
g
will B have fallen when it is hit by A –
Acceleration respect to earth g only so option
(C) is correct

Q.19 A man standing on a road has to hold his

umbrella at 30º with the vertical to keep the

PROJECTILE MOTION 106

106
 Y gt 2 980 9
 BA = =  = 90 cm
B 2 2 49
300c
Q.21 Two guns are pointed at each other one
A upwards at an angle of elevation of 30º and
ymax other at the same angle of depression, the
37
X muzzle being 30 m apart. If the charges leave
(A) 90 cm (B) 80 cm the gun with velocities of 350 m/s and 300
m/s respectively. Find when will they meet ?
(D) 70 cm (D) 60 cm

B  + Ve 30
300cm  – Ve m
Sol.[A] A

37° 30°
X (A) 3/65 sec (B) 5/65 sec
From BOC, (C) 3/95 sec (D) 3 /15 sec

BC A
sin 37° =
OB
30 m
3 Sol.[A]
BC = 300 sin 37° = 300 × = 180 cm
5
Let ball A and ball B collide after a time t 30°
B C
 for ball A, along vertical
In ABC,
1
sy = uy t + ay t2 AC
2 sin 30° =
AB
1
= 700 sin 37° t + (–g) t2 1
2 AC = AB sin 30° = 30 × = 15 m
2
gt 2 A
AC = 420 t –
2 30°
H2
For ball B, height fallen along vertical II

1 2 1 I
s = ut + a t –BA = (0) t + (–g) t2 H1
2 2
30°
gt 2 B C
BA =
2 Height risen by Ist shell
BA + AC = BC = 180 1 2
= H1 = 350 sin 30° t – gt
2 2 2
gt gt
+ 420t – = 180
2 2 gt 2
= 175 t –
420 t = 180 2
Height fallen by IInd shell
180 3
t= = sec
420 7 1 2
= H2 = 300 sin 30° t + gt
2

PROJECTILE MOTION 107

107
 gt 2  Fill in the blanks type questions
= 150 t +
2
H1 + H2 = AC = 15
Q.24 An aeroplane flies horizontally at height h
15 3 with a constant speed V. An anti-aircraft gun
 1750 t + 150 t = 15  t = = sec
325 65
fires a shell at the plane when it is vertically
above the gun. The minimum muzzle
 True or false type questions
velocity of the shell required to hit the plane
is .............. at an angle ............... with the
Q.22 If in the case of a projectile motion, range R
horizontal.
is n times the maximum height H, then the
Sol. v2 = vx2 + vy2 ; vx = v ; vy = 2gh
angle of projection  is equal to tan–1(4/n).
Sol. True v' = v 2  2gh
u 2 sin 2 u 2 sin 2 
R= ,H= 2gh
g 2g  = tan 1
v
2u 2 sin  cos  nu 2 sin 2 
R = nH  =
g 2g Q.25 A particle is projected with a velocity u so
4 4 that its range on a horizontal plane is twice
= tan    = tan–1
n n the greatest height attained. The range of
projection is .........................
Q.23 In angular projection motion, the ratio of
Sol. R = 2H
kinetic to potential energy at the highest point
of the path is tan2.
u 2 sin 2 2u 2 sin 2 
Sol. False =
g 2g
1 1
KE at highest point = mv2 = m (u cos )2
2 2
2 sin 2 
mu 2 cos 2  2 sin cos
= 2
2
u 2 sin 2  2 1
PE at highest point = mgh = mg tan  = 2 , sin  = , cos  =
2g 5 5
2 2
mu sin 
=
2 2 1
2 2u 2  
2u sin  cos  5 5
mu 2 cos 2  R= = =
 Ratio of KE & PE = × g g
2
2 4u 2
2 2
= cot2 =
mu sin  5g

PROJECTILE MOTION 108

108
 EXERCISE # 2
2k 1 2 2k 2 2
(Only single correct answer type (C) y = x (D) y = x
Part-A k2 k1
questions)

Sol.[B] For the particle, v = k1 î + k2 x ĵ
Q.1 A ball is projected upwards from the top of
tower with a velocity 50 m/s making an angle or vx î + vy ĵ = k1 î + k2 x ĵ
300 with the horizontal. The height of the vx = k1, vy = k2 x
tower is 70m. After how many seconds from
dx
the instant of throwing will the ball reach the  = k1  dx = k1 dt
dt
ground –
x t
(A) 2 s (B) 5 s (C) 7 s (D) 9 s  
0
dx = k
0
1 dt x = k1t …(1)

50 m/s +ve
–ve vy = k2 x = k2 k1 t
A 30° dy
= k2k1t dy = k2 k1 t dt
dt
Sol.[C]
y t
70 m
 dy =  k
0 0
2 k1t dt

B k 2 k1t 2
y= …(2)
2
We have, for motion from A to B, x
By (1), t = ….(3)
sy = –70, ay = –g = –10, uy = 50 sin 30° = 25 k1

1 k 2 k1 x2 k x2
 using sy = uy t + a y t2 By (2) and (3), y = × 2 = 2
2 2 k1 2k1

1
– 70 = 25t + (–10) t2
2 Q.3 A boy throws a ball with a velocity V0 at an
5t2 – 25 t – 70 = 0  t2 – 5t – 14 = 0 angle  to the horizontal. At the same instant
he starts running with uniform velocity
t2 – 7t + 2t – 14 = 0  t (t – 7) + 2 (t – 7) = 0
(minimum) to catch the ball before it hits the
(t + 2) (t – 7) = 0 ground. To achieve this, he should run with a
t = 7 sec velocity of-
(A) V0 cos (B) V0 sin

Q.2 A particle moves in the plane xy with velocity (C) V0 tan (D) V02 tan 
 Sol.[A] He should run with vx (horizontal component of
v = k1 î + k2 x ĵ , where î and ĵ are the unit
vectors of the x and y axes, and k1 and k2 are initial velocity of ball) because to catch the ball
at time t displacement of boy should be equal to
constants. At the initial moment of time the
the horizontal displacement of ball so that
particle was located at the point x = y = 0
vb × t = vx × t (v0 – boy velocity)
then the equation of the particle's trajectory y
(x) is – vb = vx , vx = v0 cos 
k k
(A) y = 1 x2 (B) y = 2 x2 Q.4 A golfer standing on level ground hits a ball
2k 2 2k 1
with a velocity of u = 52 m/s at an angle 

PROJECTILE MOTION 109

109
 above the horizontal. If tan = 5/12, then the Take x and y axis as shown in figure. Let shell
time for which the ball is at least 15m above falls at point A on the incline
the ground (i.e. between A and B) will be along y- direction
(take g = 10 m/s2) – 21
uy = 21 sin 30° =
u 2
A B
ay = – g cos 30° = – 5 3
sy = 0
15m 15m
 1
sy = uy t + ay t2
(A) 1 sec (B) 2 sec (C) 3 sec (D) 4 sec 2
Sol.[B] For the ball's motion along vertical direction 21 1
0= t + (– 5 3 ) t2
1 2 2
sy = uyt + ay t2
2 21
5 5 t=
Now tan  = , sin  = 5 3
12 13
For sy = 15 m, 1
sx = ux t + ax t2
1 2
15 = 52 sin  t + (–g) t2 2
2 21 1  21 
5 = 21 cos 30° × + (–g sin 30°)  
15 = 52 × t – 5t2 5 3 2 5 3 
13
2 2
5t2 – 20 t + 15 = 0  t2 – 4t + 3 = 0 (21) (21) 10
= – = 44.1 – 14.7
t = 3, t = 1 sec 10 300
above are the two values of t for which ball is at
= 29.4  30 m
a height 15 m above the ground.
So the time for which ball is at least
15 m above the ground is = 3 – 1 = 2 sec Q.6 An aircraft drives towards a stationary target
which is at sea level and when it is at a height
Q.5 A shell is fired from a gun from the bottom of of 1390m above sea level it launches a
a hill along its slope. The slope of the hill is missile towards the target. The initial velocity
 = 30º, and the angle of the barrel to the of the missile is 410 m/s in a direction
horizontal  = 60º. The initial velocity v of making an angle  below the horizontal
the shell is 21 m/sec. Then distance of point where tan = 9/40. Then the time of flight of
from the gun at which shell will fall – the missile from the instant it was launched
(A) 10 m (B) 20 m until it reaches sea level is nearly –
(C) 30 m (D) 40 m (A) 10 sec (B) 15 sec
Sol.[C] (C) 20 sec (D) 25 sec
x
Sol.[A]
A  410 m/s
–ve
+ve
21 m/s
y 30° 1390 m
60°
30°

A
30º 30° g cos 30°
Let missile reaches the sea level at time t.
g
g sin 30° 1
using sy = uy t + ay t2
2
PROJECTILE MOTION 110
110
 1 2 1
+ 1390 = 410 sin  t + gt cos  =  ;  = /2 + sin–1 (1/n)
2 n
9 9 So correct option is (C)
But tan =  sin  =
40 41
Q.8 A particle is projected with a speed V from a
9
 1390 = 410 × t + 5t2 point O making an angle of 30º with the
41
1390 = 90 t + 5t2 vertical. At the same instant, a second particle
is thrown vertically upwards from a point A.
t2 + 18 t – 278 = 0
The two particle reach H, the highest point on
 18  324  1112 18  38
t=– = = 10 sec the parabolic path of particle one
2 2
V
simultaneously. Then ratio is-
v
Q.7 A boat moves relative to water with a velocity
V
which is 1/n times the river flow velocity. At H
what angle to the stream direction must be
boat move to minimize drifting ? 30°

(A) /2 (B) sin–1 (1/n) v

  O A
(C) + sin–1(1/n) (D) – sin–1(1/n)
2 2
(A) 3 2 (B) 2 3
Sol.[C]
y 2 3
(C) (D)
x C 3 2
B
VR Sol.[C] Let time of flight of first particle be T
T
d vb  Time to reach maximum height =
2
 Vertical displacement of first particle =
180º–
x 2 2
A V sin 60
= (Sy)I
Let : vR = velocity of river 2g
VR Vertical displacement of second particle
velocity of boat = Vb =
n T 1 T
(Sy)II = v – g ( )2
Net drift velocity v = vr + vb cos  2 2 2
v  v  2v sin 60  g 4 v 2 sin 2 60
= vR +  R  cos  (Sy)II =  – ×
 n  2  g  2 4 g2
 cos   3vV 3V 2
= vR 1  
 n  = –
2g 8g
velocity along y axis vy = vb sin 
But as particles collide simultaneously, so
d (Sy)I = (Sy)II
d = vb sin .t or t =
v b sin 
3V 2 3vV 3V 2
= d [n cosec  + cot ] = –
8g 2g 8g
d
For minimum drift =0
dx 3V 2 3vV V 3 4 2
=  =  =
 d [– n cosec  cot  – cosec2 ] = 0 4g 2g v 3 2 3

PROJECTILE MOTION 111

111
Q.9 A projectile can have the same range R for
two angles of projection when projected with
the same speed. If t1 and t2 be the times of
flight in two cases, then the product of times
of flight will be- O A B C
(A) t1t2  R (B) t1t2  R2 (A) The time of flight is the same for all the
(C) t1t2  1/R (D) t1t2  1/R2 three
Sol. R1 = (vx)1. t1 ..... (1) (B) The launch speed is greatest for particle C
R2 = (vx)2 t2 ......(2) (C) The horizontal velocity component is
1 =  ; 2 = 90 –  greatest for particle C
R1 = u cos t1; R2 = u cos (90 – ).t2 (D) All of the above
R1 = R2 (given) u 2 sin 2 
Sol.[D] Hmax = = constant for all
R R 2g
t1 = ; t2 =
u cos  u sin  Hence u sin  = constant
2R 2 g R2 2u sin 
t1.t2 = = = R. Time of flight =
2u 2 cos   sin  R g
so t1 t2  R. So option (A) is correct  Time of flight = constant for all
2
R= ux. uy
Q.10 The height y and the distance x along the g
horizontal plane of a projectile on a certain But uy = constant
planet (with no surrounding atmosphere) are So R  ux
given by y = (8t – 5t2) meter and x = 6t meter Also, RC > RB > RA
where t is time in seconds. The velocity with Hence, Horizontal component of velocity
which the projectile is projected is – (ux)c > (ux)B > (ux)A
(A) 8 m/s Net velocity = u x2  u y2
(B) 6 m/s
Also u sin  = constant
(C) 10 /s
u  1/sin
(D) Can not be determined
and A > B > C
Sol. x = 6t meter; y = 8t – 5t2 meter (given)
 uA < uB < uC
dx dy
vx = = 6; vy = = 8 – 10 t or C is projected with maximum velocity
dt dt
dv y
ax = 0 ; ay = = – 10 Q.12 A particle is projected from a point O with a
dt velocity u in a direction making an angle 
velocity of particle at t upward with the horizontal. After some time
v= vx 2  v y2 = 6 2  (8  10 t ) 2 at point P it is moving at right angle to its
initial direction of projection. The time of
velocity at t = 0 (projection time velocity)
flight from O to P is-
= 6 2  8 2 = 10 m/s. So option (C) is correct u sin  u cos ec
(A) (B)
g g
Q.11 Three projectile A, B and C are thrown from
u tan  u sec 
the same point in the same plane. Their (C) (D)
g g
trajectories are shown in the figure. Then
Sol.[B]
which of the following statement is true –

PROJECTILE MOTION 112

112
 gR 2
2 2gh  2
Rmax =
u
= 8h = 2h + R
u P g g 8h

Q.14 A particle is thrown over a triangle from one


end of a horizontal base and grazing the
O
vertex falls on the other end of the base. If 
Initial velocity of particle
 and  be the base angles and  the angle of
v O = u cos  î + u sin  ĵ projection then correct relation between (),
Let particle reaches point P after a time t () and ()is-

Velocity at P = u cos  î + (u sin  –gt) ĵ = v p (A) tan  = tan + tan
 
  (B) tan  = tan + tan 
But v O and v P are perpendicular so   (C) tan  = tan – tan   
   (D) tan  = tan + tan 
vO . vP = 0
Sol.[B] The situation is shown in fig.
[u cos  î  u sin  ĵ] . [u cos  î  (u sin   gt ) ĵ] = 0
u2cos2  + u sin (u sin  – gt) = 0 P(x,y)
u2 cos2  + u2 sin2  – u sin  gt = 0
 y
u2 = u sin  gt 

u u cosec  O x B R–x A
t= =
g sin  g
y y
From fig. tan  + tan  = + ….(1)
x Rx
Q.13 If R is the range of a projectile on a horizontal where R is the range
plane and h its maximum height, then
y(R  x )  xy y R
maximum horizontal range with the same  tan + tan  = = ×
x (R  x ) x Rx
velocity of projection is-
Now eq. of trajectory,
R2
(A) 2h (B)  x
8h y = x tan  1  
 R
h2 R2
(C) 2R + (D) 2h + y R
8R 8h  tan  × …(2)
x Rx
Sol.[D] Let u be velocity of projection and  be angle of
projection By (1) & (2), tan  + tan  = tan 
u 2 sin 2 u 2 sin 2 
R= ,h=
g 2g Q.15 A particle is released from a certain height
H = 400 m. Due to the wind the particle
 u sin  = 2gh …(1)
gathers the horizontal velocity vx = ay where
2(u cos )(u sin ) gR
R=  u cos  = a = 5 sec–1 and y is the vertical displacement
g 2(u sin )
of the particle from point of release, then the
gR g R horizontal drift (displacement) of the particle
u cos  = = …(2)
2 2gh 2h 2 when it strikes the ground is–
g R2 (A) 2.67 km (B) 8.67 m
 (1)2 + (2)2  u2 = 2gh + (C) 1.67 km (D) 5.1 km
2h 4
Sol.[A]
gR 2
u2 = 2gh +
8h
 Maximum horizontal range with velocity u
PROJECTILE MOTION 113
113
  –Ve One or more than one correct
 +Ve Part-B
H= 400 m wind answer type questions 
Q.17 Two particles A and B start simultaneously
from the same point and move in a horizontal
x plane. A has an initial velocity u1 due east
For motion of particle along vertical direction, and acceleration a1 due north. B has an initial
1 velocity u2 due north and acceleration a2 due
sy = uyt + ayt2
2
east. Then –
1
y = 0 (t) + gt2 (A) They must collide at some point
2
1 2 (B) They will collide only if a1u1 = a2u2
y= gt
2
(C) Their paths must intersect at some point
Let t0 be the time taken by the particle to reach
the ground. (D) If u1 > u2 & a1 < a2, the particles will
1 800 have the same speed at some point
400 = × g t 02  t 0 = = 9.035 sec
2 9.8 Sol.[B,C,D]
Now, vx = ay The two particles will collide after time t if the
distance moved along x-axis of A is equal to
dx gt 2
= ay = a × that of B and distance moved along y-axis of A
dt 2 is equal to that of B
x t0
ag 2 ag 1 2 1
dx =
2
t dt  
0
dx =  2 t dt
0
2 So, u1t =
2
a2t and u2 t = a1t2
2
u a
3  1 = 2 or a1 u1 = a2 u2
ag t 0 ag 3 5  9 .8 u2 a1
x= = t0 = (9.035)3
2 3 6 6
1 2
= 2693.5 m = 2.69 Km For first particle, x = u1t, y = a 1t
2
2
Q.16 In the above question find the speed with a  x  2u 1 2
or y = 1    x2 = y
which the particle strikes the ground – 2  u1  a1
(A) 5 km/s (B) 0.9 km/s (upward opening parabola)
(C) 9 km/s (D) –.009 km/s For the second particle,
Sol.[B] Speed of particle along vertical = vy = uy + ayt 1 2
x= a2t , y = u2t
vy = 0 + g t0 = 9.8 × 9.035 = 88.543 m/s 2
2
speed of particle along horizontal = vx = ay a2 y  2u 2 2
x=    y2 = x
= 5 × 400 2  u2  a2

= 894.42 m/s (Leftward opening parabola)

vnet = v 2x  v 2y

= (894.42) 2  (88.543) 2 = 898.79 m/s

= 0.9 km/s

PROJECTILE MOTION 114

114
 2u12 Q.19 A man who can swim at a speed v relative to
The point of intersection of x2 = y and
a1 the water wants to cross a river of width d
2
2u 2 flowing with a speed u. The point opposite
y2 = x are
a2 him across the river is A.
 4 2  8u 1 4 u 2 2 
2/3  (A) He can reach the point A in time d/v
 8u u a   
(0,0) and  3 1 22 , 1 2  (B) He can reach the point A is time
 a 2 a1 2u 1  a a2  
  2 1  
d
So, their paths must intersect at some point. The
v  u2
2
particles will have same speed at some point
(C) The minimum time in which he can cross
after time t if,
d
u 12  ( a 1 t ) 2 = u 2 2  (a 2 t ) 2 river is
v
u12 – u22 = (a22 – a12)t2 (D) He can not reach A if u > v
Sol.[B,C,D]
u 12  u 2 2
t= B A
a 2 2  a12

t will be positive if u1 > u2 and a2 > a1

u
v
Q.18 A large rectangular box falls vertically with
acceleration a. A toy gun fixed at A and
aimed at C fires a particle P. Then – C
O u
D C
A man can swim along OA if he goes along OB
with velocity v. The velocity of man along
OA = v 2  u 2 . Time taken to go from O to
P d
B A=
A v  u2
2

(A) P will hit C if a = g
(B) P will hit the roof DC if a > g
(C) P will hit wall BC if a < g
(D) either of A, B & C depending on speed of P.
Sol.[A,B,C]
The effective acceleration due to gravity acting
on the particle in the box = g – a. When a = g,
the effective acceleration due to gravity on the
particle becomes zero and the particle moves
along a straight line and will hit C. If a > g, the
effective acceleration due to gravity on particle
is negative , i.e. acting upwards, so the particle
will hit the roof DC.
If a < g, the effective acceleration due to gravity
on particle is positive but less than g so the
particle will hit wall BC
The minimum time in which he can cross the
river is if he goes along OA with velocity v.
This time = d/v
If u > v , then the time taken to go from O to A
is imaginary, so the man cannot cross the river.
Q.20 A train carriage move along the x-axis with a

uniform acceleration a . An observer A in
the train sets a ball in motion on the
frictionless floor of the carriage with the

velocity u relative to the carriage. The

direction u of makes an angle  with the x-
axis. Let B be an observer standing on the
ground outside train. The path of ball will be-
(A) A straight line with respect to observer A
PROJECTILE MOTION 115
115
 (B) A straight line with respect to observer B 2d
(B) is if the wind blows
(C) A parabola with respect to observer A v  w2
2

(D) A parabola with respect to observer B perpendicular to the line AB.

Sol.[A,D] (C) is always increased by the presence of
With respect to observer A on the train, the ball wind.

has velocity u along one direction only. Hence (D) depend on the direction of wind.
the motion of ball w.r.t. observer A is a straight Sol.[A,B,C,D]
line with respect to observer B, the ball has two If wind blows along line AB, the total time for
velocities which are inclined at angle . Due to d d 2dv
which the path followed by ball w.r.t. observer round trip = + =
v  w v  w v2  w 2
B is parabolic.
When wind blows perpendicular to line AB, the

Q.21 Two particles are projected from the same effective velocity of aeroplane = v2  w 2
point with the same speed, at different angles w
1 and 2 to the horizontal. Their times of v
flight are t1 and t2 and they have the same
horizontal range. Then–
A
t
(A) 1 = tan 1 Total time for round trip
t2
d d 2d
t = + =
(B) 1 = tan 2 v w 2 2
v w 2 2
v  w2
2
t2
t1 t2 Total time for round trip increases by the
(C) = presence of wind and also depends upon the
sin  1 sin  2
direction of wind.
(D) 1 + 2 = 90º
Sol.[A,C,D]
Part-C Column matching type question
2u sin 1 2u sin  2
t1 = ; t2 =
g g
Q.23 Trajectory of particle in a projectile motion is
As horizontal range is same so 1 + 2 = 90°
x2
t1 sin 1 sin 1 sin 1 given as y = x – . Here, x and y are in
= = = = tan1 80
t2 sin  2 sin (90  1 ) cos 1
metres. For this projectile motion match the
t1 t2
Also = following with g = 10 m/s2.
sin 1 sin  2
Column-I Column-II

Q.22 An aero plane flies along straight line from A (A)Angle of projection (P) 20 m
to B with speed v and back again with the (B) Angle of velocity (Q) 80 m
same speed. There is a steady wind speed w. with horizontal after 4s
The distance between A and B is d. Total (C) Maximum height (R) 45º
time for the round trip – 1
(D) Horizontal range (S) tan–1  
2 vd 2
(A) is if the wind blows along the
v2  w 2 Sol. A  R; B  R; C  P; D  Q
line AB. compare with equation of projectile

PROJECTILE MOTION 116

116
 gx 2 x2
y = x. tan  – ; y=x– Q.25 Assertion : A projectile is thrown with an
2u 2 cos 2  80
cos  = 1;  = 45º (angle of projection) initial velocity of (aî  bĵ) m/s. If range of
we get  = 45º, and u = 20 2 m/s projectile is maximum than a = b.
time T (time period) Reason : In projectile motion, angle of
1 projection is equal of 45° for maximum range
2.20 2
2u sin  2 = 4 sec. condition.
= =
g g Sol.[A] Assertion
so after 4 sec its velocity again attain the same For Rmax;  = 45º
angle (projection angle) vy
For Horizantal range Velocity function v = vx î + vy ĵ ; tan  =
vx
1
R = vx .T = 20 2 × 4.sec = 80 m 
2 Given function v = aî + bĵ this compare

u 2 sin 2  (20 2 ) 2 with above function

for max height = = 20 m
2g 10.2.2 vy b
tan  = = = tan 45º = 1 so a = b
vx a
Part-D Assertion-Reason type questions
so given statement is correct and reason is also
The following questions consists of two
correct with correct explanation so ans (A)
statements each, printed as Assertion and
Reason. While answering these questions you
are to choose any one of the following four Q.26 Assertion : Separation between two particle
responses. is maximum when component of relative
(A) If both Assertion and Reason are true and velocity of particles along line joining them is
the Reason is correct explanation of the
Assertion. zero.
(B) If both Assertion and Reason are true but Reason : At maximum separation velocity of
Reason is not correct explanation of the two particles is same.
Assertion.
(C) If Assertion is true but the Reason is false. Sol.[C] v1 d1 v2
(D) If Assertion is false but Reason is true. If v1  v2 then separation between particle
increases if v2 > v1 and decreases if v2 < v1 and
Q.24 Assertion : Two balls of different masses are
remain unchanged if v1 = v2, So for dmax or
thrown vertically up with same speed. They
maximum separation vrel relative velocity of
will pass through their point of projection in
particles.
the downward direction with the same speed.
vrel = v – v = 0 so Assertion statement is correct
Reason : The maximum height and
but reason is incorrect so answer [B]
downward velocity attained at the point of
projection are independent of the mass of the
Q.27 Assertion : Two particles are thrown from
ball.
Sol.[A] Use v2 = u2 + 2as same point with different velocity in such a
When balls pass through point of projection way that vertical component same. The two
s=0 particle will always lie on a same horizontal
v2 = u2  |v| = |u| line.
u 2 sin 2 90 u2 Reason : Relative acceleration of the
Also, hmax = =
2g 2g particles is non zero.
Both v and hmax are independent of mass of ball Sol.[C] Assertion :- True
PROJECTILE MOTION 117
117
Same horizontal line means vertical 1 2
y2 = (vy)2t – gt .......(ii)
displacement of particles are same it can be seen 2
from here ( v y1 ) = (vy)2 (given vertical 1 2 1
(vy)t – gt = (vy)2t – gt2
components of velocity are same) 2 2
So, vertical displacement at any instant or y1 = y2 means vertical displacement are
same so statement is correct.
1 2 1
y1 = (vy)1 t – gt – (i); y2 = ( v y ) 2 t – gt2 But reason is false. So Assertion true and
2 2
comparing eq (1) & (2) Reason False so ans. (C)

1 2
y1 = (vy)t – gt ....... (i);
2

PROJECTILE MOTION 118

118
 EXERCISE # 3
bomb will explode vertically below the plane.
Part-A Subjective Type Questions Now let plane flies at angle  to horizontal.
Along horizontal distance covered by bomb = u
Q.1 If R is the horizontal range and h, the greatest
cos
height of a projectile, prove that its initial
Horizontal distance covered by plane = u cos 
2 2
5(16h  R ) So bomb will explode below plane.
speed is [g = 10 m/s2]
4h Note : Along vertical, plane has no acceleration
(as it is moving with uniform speed)
u so in time t,
h Plane along vertical covers = u sin  t
R
gt 2
bomb along vertical covers = u sin  t –
Sol. Let u be the velocity and  be the angle of 2
projection so bomb will not go up with the plane.
u 2 sin 2 u 2 sin 2 
R= ,h= Q.3 A stone is thrown horizontally from a tower.
g 2g
In 0.5 second after the stone began to move,
 u sin  = 2gh …(1)
the numerical value of its velocity was 1.5
2(u cos )(u sin ) 2(u cos ) 2gh times its initial velocity. Find the initial
R= =
g g velocity of stone.
gR Sol. After 0.5 sec along vertical using vy = uy + ayt
u cos  = …..(2)
2 2gh
vy = 0 + g (0.5) = 0.5 g
(1) + (2)  u (sin  + cos )
2 2 2 2 2
Along horizontal, vx = v
2 2
g R
= 2gh + Using vnet = vx2  vy2 v 2  0.25g 2 = 1.5 v
4(2gh )
v2 + 0.25g2 = 2.25 v2  1.25 v2 = (4.9)2
gR 2 10R 2
u= 2gh  = 20h  v = 4.382 m/s  4.4 m/s
8h 8h

80h 2  5R 2 5(16h 2  R 2 )
= =
4h 4h
Q.2 A bomb is dropped from a plane flying
horizontally with uniform speed. Show that
the bomb will explode vertically below the
plane. Is the statement true if the plane flies
with uniform speed but not horizontally ?
Sol. The bomb will be projected horizontally. Along
horizontal distance covered by bomb = ut Along
horizontal distance covered by plane = ut so
Q.4 A shell is fired from a point O at an angle of
60º with a speed of 40 m/s & it strikes a
horizontal plane through O, at a point A. The
gun is fired a second time with the same
angle of elevation but a different speed v. If it
hits the target which starts to rise vertically
from A with a constant speed 93 m/s at the
same instant as the shell is fired, find v. (Take
g = 10 m/s2)
u 2 sin 2
Sol. We have, in 1st case, R =
g

PROJECTILE MOTION 119

119
 Along vertical using,
1
sy = uyt + a yt2
60° 2
O A 1
2 –1.2 = 18 sin 30° t + (–9.8) t2
(40) sin 2(60) 2
= = 80 3 m
10 4.9 t2 – 9 t – 1.2 = 0
When the shell is fired with speed v then
v 9  81  23.52 9  10.2
R = v cos 60° × t  80 3 = t t= = = 1.96 sec
2 9 .8 9.8
Along horizontal, sx = uxt
 vt = 160 3 ….(1)
1.732
d = 18 cos 30° × t = 18 × × 1.96
In time t, target rises by = 9 3 t 2
gt 2 vt 3 d = 30.55 m
Shell rises by = v sin 60° t – = –5t2
2 2

3 Q.6 A batsman hits the ball at a height 4.0 ft from

 9 3 t = vt –5t2
2 the ground at projection angle of 45° and the
160 3. 3 horizontal range is 350 ft. Ball falls on left
9 3t= –5t2
2 boundary line, where a 24 ft height fence is
situated at a distance of 320 ft. Will the ball
5t2 + 9 3 t – 240 = 0
clear the fence ?
– 9 3  243  4800 41 3  9 3 Sol.
t= =
10 10

32 3 u
=
10 45°
24 ft
v  32 3 4ft
vt = 160 3  = 160 3
10
1600 320 ft
v= = 50 m/s
32 For motion of ball along horizontal
u 2 sin 2(45)
R= = 350
Q.5 A cricket ball thrown from a height of 1.8 m g
at an angle of 30º with the horizontal at a u2 = 350 × 32
speed of 18 m/s is caught by another field’s If y is vertical displacement,
man at a height of 0.6 m from the ground. gx 2
y = x tan  –
How far were the two men apart ? 2u 2 cos 2 
18 m/s 1
 +ve  32  (320) 2
= 320 tan 45° – 2
30°  –ve 1
350  32 
2
1.2 m y = 320 – 292.571 = 27.43 m
Sol. 1.8 m As this is greater than height of fence. So the
0.6 m
ball will definitely cross the fence.
d

PROJECTILE MOTION 120

120
Q.7 (a) A particle is projected with a velocity of 1 2
For x-axis, sx = uxt + a xt
29.4 m/s at an angle of 60º to the horizontal. 2
Find the range on a plane inclined at 30º to 1
= 29.4 cos 30° (2 3 )2 + (–g sin 30°)(2 3 )2
the horizontal when projected from a point 2
of the plane up the plane. = 58.8 m
(b) Determine the velocity with which a stone 2u 2 sin(   0 ) cos 
Alto : R =
must be projected horizontally from a g cos 2  0
point P, so that it may hit the inclined Q.8 A dive bomber, diving at an angle of 53º with
plane perpendicularly. The inclination of the vertical, releases a bomb at an altitude of
the plane with the horizontal is  and P is 2400 ft. The bomb hits the ground 5.0 s after
h metre above the foot of the incline as being released. (a) What is the speed of the
shown in the figure.
bomber ? (b) How far did the bomb travel
u P
horizontally during its flight? (c) What were
the horizontal and vertical components of its
velocity just before striking the ground ?
h  – ve
 + ve
Sol. 53°
2400 ft u

x

29.4 m/s x

y (a) For motion of bomb along vertical

60°
Sol.(a) 1 2
30° sy = uyt + a yt
2
1
2400 = v sin 37° (5) + (32) (5)2
30° 2
3
g 2400 = v × 5 + 16 × 25
5
Taking x and y axis as shown in fig.
2000
Along x-axis,  v= = 666.66 ft/sec  667 ft/sec
ax = – g sin 30°, ux = 29.4 cos 30° 3
Along y-axis, (b) For motion of bomb along horizontal,
ay = –g cos 30°, uy = 29.4 sin 30° sx = uxt  x = v cos 37° × t
For y-axis, 4
= 667 × ×5
1 5
sy = uyt + a yt2
2 = 2668 ft
Let T be the time taken when particle strikes the (c) Just before striking the ground, horizontal
plane 4
component = v cos 37° = 667 ×
1 5
O = 29.4 sin 30° T – g cos 30° T2
2  534 ft/sec
2  29.4 sin 30 29.4 2 Along vertical, v2 = u2 + 2gh
T= =  = 2 3 sec
g cos 30 9 .8 3 v2 = (667 sin 37°) + 2 × 32 × 2400
vertical component = v  560 ft/sec

PROJECTILE MOTION 121

121
Q.9 A boy throws a ball so as to clear a wall of y
height ‘h’ at a distance ‘x’ from him. Find
minimum speed of the ball to clear the wall.
Sol. From trajectory equation
1 gx 2 37°
y = x tan  – A x
2 u 2 cos 2 
gx 2

3.3km
y = x tan  – (1 + tan2)
2u 2
 gx 2  2  2  B
  tan  – x tan  +  y  gx  = 0
 2u 2   2u 2  9.4 km
  
Putting x = x & y = h (a) At what initial speed would a volcanic
 gx 2  2  2 
  tan  – x tan  +  h  gx  = 0 object have to be ejected at 37º to the
 2u 2   2u 2  horizontal from the vent A in order to fall
  
If projectile clears the pole then roots of above at B as shown in figure.
equation must be real i.e. Discriminant  0 (b) What is the time of flight. (g = 9.8 m/s2)
 gx 2   2  Sol.(a) For vertical motion of volcanic object
x2 – 4  2   h  gx   0
  2u 2  1 2
 2u   sy = uy t + a yt
2
 g   2u 2 h  gx 2  1
1–  2    0
 – 3.3 × 1000 = u sin 37° t + (–9.8) t2
u   u2  2
u4 – (2gh) u2 – g2x2  0 .....(1) 3ut
3300 = + 4.9 t2 …(1)
Let, u – (2gh) u – g x  0
4 2 2 2 5
Along horizontal we have, sx = uxt
2gh  4g 2 h 2  4g 2 x 2
u02 = 4
2 9400 = ut  ut = 11750 …(2)
5
u02 = g h  h 2  x 2  3
  By (1) 3300 = – × 11750 + 4.9 t2
5
If u2  u02 then expression (i) is greater than or
10350
equal to zero. 4.9 t2 = 2350 × 3 + 3300  = t2 = 
4 .9
i.e. if u2  g h  h 2  x 2    t  46 sec
 
then projectile will clear the pole. 11750
u=  255.43 m/s
46
Q.10 During the volcanic eruption chunks of solid (b) As calculated in part (a) time of flight = t = 46 sec
rock are blasted out of the volcano.
Q.11 A boy throws a ball horizontally with a speed
of v0 = 12 m/s from the Gandhi Setu bridge C
of Patna in an effort to hit the top surface AB
of a truck travelling directly underneath the
boy on the bridge. If the truck maintains a
constant speed u = 15 m/s, and the ball is
projected at the instant B on the top of the
truck appears at point C, determine the

PROJECTILE MOTION 122

122
 position s where the ball strikes the top of the u 2 sin 2  (u sin ) 2
maximum height = =
truck.


2g 2g
v0 =12m/s
  64
= = 3.3 m (approx)
2  9.8


8m
S
2u sin  2  8
B A C Time of flight = = = 1.64 sec (approx)
u g 9 .8

Q.13 An aeroplane is flying at a height of 1960
10m metre in a horizontal direction with a velocity
of 100 m/s, when it is vertically above an

 – ve
object M on the ground it drops a bomb. If the
 + ve bomb reaches the ground at the point N, then
calculate the time taken by the bomb to reach


8m
the ground and also find the distance MN.
Sol.
Bomb
15m/s
100m/s –ve
+ve
 1960 m
Sol.

M N
1
Along vertical 8=0+ × 9.8 × t2
2 The bomb will be projected horizontally due to
t = 1.27 sec inertia of motion of the plane.
In time t horizontal distance covered by truck
1
= 15 × t = 15 × 1.27 = 19.16 m Along vertical, sy = uy t + ay t2
2
Horizontal distance covered by ball
= 12 × t = 12 × 1.27 = 15.33 m 1
–1960 = (0) t – (–9.8) t2 =  t = 20 sec
So the ball hits the truck at a position 2
= 19.16 – 15.33 = 3.84 m from point B MN = ux t = 100 × 20 = 2000 m

Q.12 A projectile is projected with an initial
velocity of ( 6î  8 ĵ ) ms–1 , î = unit vector in
horizontal direction and ĵ = unit vector in
vertical upward direction then calculate its
horizontal range, maximum height and time
of flight.

Sol. v initial = 6î  8ˆj = u cos  î + u sin ĵ
u cos  = 6, u sin  = 8
Q.14 A projectile is projected from the base of a
hill whose slope is that of right circular cone,
whose axis is vertical. The projectile grazes
the vertex and strikes the hill again at a point
on the base. If  be the semi-vertical angle of
the cone, h its height u the initial velocity of
projection and  the angle of projection,
show that
gh (4  tan 2 )
(i) tan  = 2 cot  (ii) u2 =
2

u 2 sin 2
Horizontal range =
g


2(u cos )(u sin ) 2  6  8

= = = 9.8 m (approx)
g 9 .8
PROJECTILE MOTION 123
123
 Q.15 A person is standing on a truck moving with a
(h tan h) constant velocity of 14.7 m/s on a horizontal
road. The man throws a ball in such a way
u  
Sol. (a) that it returns to the truck after the truck has
 h moved 58.8 m. Find the speed and the angle
of projection (a) as seen from the truck, (b) as
h tan  h tan  seen from the road.
u 2 sin 2
clearly, range of projectile =
g

u 2 sin 2
 
2h tan  = ....(1)
g Sol.
Now clearly the point (h tan , h) lies on the
trajectory of projectile whose equation is,

gx 2 58.8 m
y = x tan  –
2u 2 cos 2  (a) As seen from the truck like motion of ball is
vertically upwards and then downwards as
gh 2 tan 2  relative velocity of truck and ball along
h = h tan  tan  – horizontal is 0.
2u 2 cos 2 
Let ball arrive back in time t,
h tan 2  tan  for truck, 58.8 = 14.7 t  t = 4 sec
1 = tan  tan  –
u 2 sin 2 Also along vertical (in both cases) displacement
g 1
of ball = 0  0 = vt – × 9.8 t2
2
h tan 2  tan 
1 = tan  tan  – (using (1)) v
2h tan  t=  v = 4.9 × 4 = 19.6 m/s
4.9
tan  tan  So as seen from truck ball goes vertically
1 = tan  tan  –
2 upward at a speed of 19.6 m/s
tan  tan  = 2, tan  = 2 cot  (b) As seen from ground, ball has two
component of velocity horizontal and vertical
2gh tan   tan   v y 19.6 4
 (b) By (1), u2 = = 2gh   tan  = = =   = 53°
sin 2  sin 2  v x 14.7 3
tan  Along horizontal v' cos 53° × 4 = 58.8
= 2gh
2 sin  cos  58.8  5
v' = = 24.5 m/s
43
tan  2
Now cot  =  sin  = ,
2 4  tan 2  Q.16 Two bodies are thrown simultaneously from
tan  the same point. One thrown straight up and
cos  = the other at an angle  with the horizontal.
4  tan 2 
Both the bodies have equal velocity of v0.
2gh tan  Neglecting air drag, find the separation of the
 u2 =
2 2 tan 
particle at time t.
4  tan 2  4  tan 2 

gh
u2 = (4 + tan2)
2
PROJECTILE MOTION 124
124
 v0 moment when their velocity vectors become
mutually perpendicular.
Sol. v0
II I
I II 4m/s 3m/s
 –ve  –ve +ve
 +ve
  1  Sol.
For Ist body, at any time t, s1 =  v 0 t  gt 2  ĵ
 2  x2 x1
For second body at anytime
for Ist particle at any instant of time t, velocity
  1 
s 2 = v0 cos  t î +  v 0 sin  t  gt 2  ĵ = v x î + v y ĵ = 3 î + (0 + gt) ĵ
 2 

 separation between the bodies at any time t v1 = 3 î + gt ĵ
 

= s2  s1 also s 1 = sx î + sy ĵ

 1 1   1 
 v 0 cos  t î   v 0 sin  t  gt 2  v 0 t  gt 2  ĵ = 3t î +  0t  gt 2  ĵ
 2 2   2 

= v 0 cos  t î  v 0 (sin   1) t ĵ gt 2
= 3t î + ĵ
2
= v 02 cos 2  t 2  v 02 (1  sin ) 2 t 2
For second particle, velocity at any instant time
= v0t cos 2   (1  sin ) 2 t,
= v0t cos 2   sin 2   1  2 sin  
v2 = vx î + vy ĵ = 4(– î ) + (0 + gt) ĵ
= v0t 2  2 sin  = v0t 2(1  sin  )
= – 4î + gtĵ
= v0t 2 1  sin 

2   2 sin  cos  s 2 = s x î + s y ĵ
= v0t 2 cos  sin 2
2 2 2 2
    1 
= v0t 2  cos  sin  = 4t (– î ) + 0t  gt 2  ĵ
 2 2  2 
  
[  90°,  45°  cos > sin ] gt 2
2 2 2 = – 4t î + ĵ
2
 1  1 
= v0t 2 . 2  cos  sin  When velocities become perpendicular
 2 2 2 2
 
   v1 . v 2 = 0
= v0t . 2 sin 45 cos  cos 45 sin 
 2 2
(3î  gtĵ) . (4î  gtĵ) = 0
 
= 2v0t sin  45  
 2 12
–12 + g2t2 = 0  t = = 0.353 sec
Q.17 Two particles move in a uniform gravitational 9.8
field with an acceleration g. At the initial
Distance between the particles
moment the particles were located at one
point and moved with velocities 3 m/s and 4  
= s1– s 2
m/s horizontally in opposite directions. Find
the distance between the particles at the

PROJECTILE MOTION 125

125
 gt 2 ˆ gt 2 u 2 sin 2 
= 3t î  j  4 t î – ĵ = 7 t î v 2y = u2 sin2  + 2 (–g)
2 2 4g

= 7 × 0.353 = 2.471 m u 2 sin 2  u sin 

v 2y =  vy =
2 2

Q.18 A particle is projected from O at an elevation Net velocity at half of maximum height
 and after t second it has an elevation  as
u 2 sin 2 
seen from the point of projection. Prove that = u 2 cos 2  
2
gt cos 
its initial velocity is . As per question,
sin( – )
P(x,y) 2 u 2 sin 2 
u cos  = u 2 cos 2  
5 2
u
Sol. y 5u2 cos2 = 2u2 cos2 + u2sin2
  3u2 cos2  = 2u2 sin2
Let u be the velocity of projection, Now
tan2 = 3  tan  = 3
2
gt
y = u sin  t –  = 60°
2
x = u cos  t
y Q.20 A man running on a horizontal road at 8 km/h
from fig. tan = finds the rain falling vertically. He increases his
x
1 speed to 12 km/h and find that the drops are
u sin t – gt 2 making 30º with vertical. Find the speed and
2 gt
tan  = = tan –
u cos t 2u cos  direction of the rain with respect to the road.
gt Sol.
 = tan  – tan 
2u cos  vr01
gt
 u=
2 cos (tan  – tan )
gt cos  cos  vm = 8 Km/hr
=
2 cos  (sin  cos   sin  cos  )
gt cos  cos  gt cos  o1
= =
2 cos  sin( – ) 2 sin(  – )   
v ro1 = v r – v m1
Q.19 The velocity of a particle when it is at its from above
2
greatest height is of its velocity when it  v
5 v
rO1
r

is at half its greatest height. Find the angle of

projection of the particle.
vM1
Sol. Let particle be projected with velocity u
vr sin  = v m1 = 8 Km/hr
velocity at maximum height = u cos 
Initial velocity at half of maximum height

v 2y = u 2y + 2 ay sy

PROJECTILE MOTION 126

126
 
vr02 30 t = t2 + 300; t2 – 30 t + 300 = 0
30º
b2 – 4ac = 302 – 4 × 1 300 = 302 – 1200
900 – 1200 < 0 it means no real solution of
given equation exist means get imaginary value

vm2 = 12 Km/hr of t from eq so car A cannot overtake the car B

o2 Q.22 A pilot is taking his plane towards north with

  
Q1 v rO 2 = v r – v m 2 a velocity of 100 km/h. At that place the wind
is blowing with a speed of 60 km/h from east
 to west. Calculate the resultant velocity of the
  Vr
VrO2 30º 
plane. How far the plane will be after 20 min.
from the starting point ?
 Sol. Given vp = 100 km / hr; vw = 60 km/hr from
V M2
v rO 2 cos 30º = vr cos  vector addition

v rO 2 sin 30º + v r sin  = v m 2 vr = v 2p  v 2w

 v rO 2 (1/2) + v m1 = v m 2 vr = 100 2  60 2 = 10 156

or v rO 2 = 2(12 – 8) Km/hr = 8 Km/hr = 116.56 km/hr

resultant direction of motion will be
v m1 8
 tan  = = = 1   = 45º Ans. vy vw 60
VrO 2 8 tan =  = = 3/5
vx vp 100
 vr = 8 2 Km/hr Ans.  = tan–1 (3/5) west of north distance of plane
after 20 min, from starting point x = v.t.
Q.21 Two cars A and B having velocities of 72
20 116.58
km/h and 18 km/h are running in the same = 116.58 = = = 38.86. km
60 3
direction, the car B being ahead of the A. The
distance between the cars is 150 m. If the car
A now starts retarding at a uniform rate of 1 Part-B Passage based objective questions
m/s2 while the car B moves along at a
uniform velocity, will the car A overtake the Passage - I (Q. 23 to 25)
car B ? A policeman is in pursuit of a thief. Both are
Sol. To ovrtake B by A : running at 5m/s. Suddenly they come across a
SA  distance travelled by A gap between buildings as shown in figure. The
thief leaps at 5 m/s and at 45º up, while the
SB  distance travelled by B
policemen leaps horizontally.
SA = SB + 150
72000 A B
vA = 72 km / hr = = 20 m/s 3m
3600 C D
vB = 18 km / hr = 5 m/s 4m
1 2
20 t – at = 5.t + 150
2 Q.23 By how much does the thief clear the gap, if
1 so?
20 t – × 1.t2 = 5t + 150
2 (A) 0.21 m (B) 0.56 m
(C) 0.11 m (D) 0.31 m
t2 Sol.[D] For vertical motion of thief,
20 t – 5t = + 150
2
PROJECTILE MOTION 127
127
 1 2 1 Q.28 The diving angle of eagle (below horizontal)
sy = uyt + ayt  –3 = 5 sin 45°t + (– 9.8)t2
2 2 (A) tan–1 6.53 (B) tan–1 6.2
–1
(C) tan 5.3 D) tan–1 4.54
4.9 t2 – 3.536 t –3 = 0
Sol.[D] Diving angle of eagle (below horizontal)
3.536  12.503  58.8 197
t= = 1.22 sec. tan  = (see fig. of ans No.6)
9.8 43.4
For horizontal motion, sx = vxt  = tan–1 (4.54)
= 5 cos 45° × 1.22 = 4.31 m
The thief clears the gap by 4.31 m – 4m = 0.31m Passage # III (Ques. 29 to 31)
A particle initially at rest at origin is moving

Q.24 By how much does the policeman fall/clear according to law a = 6t î  8t ˆj m/s2, where
the gap ? ‘a’ is acceleration.
(A) clear by 0.09 m (B) miss by 0.09 m
(C) clear by 0.50 m (D) miss by 0.9 m Q.29 Velocity of particle at t = 3 sec –
Sol.[B] As we did in Ans no. 1, i.e. 4 –3.91 = 0.09 mts. (A) 45 m/s (B) 40 m/s
He will miss the other wall by 0.09 mtrs. (C) 35 m/s (D) 22 m/s
Sol.[A] a = 6t î + 8t ĵ = ax î + ay ĵ
Q.25 The time of flight of policeman to reach the
dv x
level of line CD ? ax = = 6t
(A) 1.78 sec (B) 2.79 sec dt
(C) 0.56 sec (D) 0.782 sec 6t 2
vx = = 3t2 ; vx = 3t2
Sol.[D] As we calculated in Ans. No.1, time of flight of 2
policeman to reach the level of line CD = 0.782 sec. dv y
ay =
dt 
= 8t ; dv y = 8 t.dt 
Passage - II (Q. 26 to 28) 8t 2

An eagle is flying horizontally at 10 m/s, 200 m vy = = 4t2 ; vy = 4t2

2
above ground. It was carrying a mouse in its
grasp, which is released at a certain instant. The v= v 2x  v 2y = (3t 2 ) 2  (4t 2 ) 2
eagle continues on its path at the same speed for a = v = 5t2
2 sec before attempting to retrieve its prey. To velocity at v = 5 (3)2 = 45 m/s
catch the mouse it dives in a straight line at So option (A) is correct.
constant speed and recaptures the mouse 3m
above the ground. Q.30 Displacement of particle at t = 3 sec –
(A) 28 m (B) 30 m (C) 35 m (D) 45 m
Q.26 The time of free fall of mouse is– Sol.[D] v = 3t2 î + 4t2 ĵ
(A) 6.34 s (B) 3.4 s (C) 8.7 s (D) 4.4 s
ds ds x ds y
Sol.[A] As calculated in Ans No. 6 = + = 3t2 î + 4t2 ĵ
dt dt dt
time of free fall of mouse = t = 6.34 sec
ds x
= = 3t2 ; dsx = 3t2 dt ; Sx = 3t3/3
dt
Q.27 The path length of dive of eagle is–
S x = t3 …(i)
(A) 197 m (B) 201.72 m
4
(C) 189 m (D) 211.9 m similarly S y = t3 …(ii)
3
Sol.[B] For 2 sec. the eagle continued its motion. Its
4 3 5
horizontal displacement in this time is = 10 × 2 S= S 2x  S 2y = t3 
t = t3
3 3
= 20 m
5 3
so displacement at (t = 3 sec) = t = 45 m
Path length AB of eagle = (43.4) 2  (1.97) 2 3
so option (D) is correct.
= 201.72 m
PROJECTILE MOTION 128
128
Q.31 Path of particle will be -
(A) Straight line (B) Parabola
(C) Circle (D) None
Sol.[A] given a = (6 t) î + (8t) ĵ

dv
= (6t) î + (8t) ĵ
dt
v t
 dv =  [6tî  8tĵ]dt
0 c

 6 t 2 8t 2 
v=    = 3t2 î + 4t2 ĵ
 2 2 

dx
vx = = 3t2 ; dx = 3t2 dt
dt
x
 dx  x  3t
3
/ 3 = t3 ......(i)
0

dy
vy = 4t2; = 4t2
dt
y t
  4t dt ;
2
dy  y = 4t3 / 3 .......(ii)
0 0

comparing (i) & (ii) we get

4
y= x
3
it shows a straight line equation so option (A) is
correct.

PROJECTILE MOTION 129

129
 EXERCISE # 4
 IIT-JEE Subjective type questions Numerical type Question :

Q.1 On a frictionless horizontal surface, assumed Q.2 A train is moving along a straight line with a

to be the x-y plane, a small trolley A is constant acceleration 'a'. A boy standing in

moving along a straight line parallel to the y- the train throws a ball forward with a speed of

axis (see figure) with a constant velocity of 10 m/s, at an angle of 60º to the horizontal.
The boy has to move forward by 1.15 m
(3 –1) m/s. At a particular instant, when the
inside the train to catch the ball back at the
line OA makes an angle of 45° with the x-
initial height. The acceleration of the train, in
axis, a ball is thrown along the surface from
m/s2, is. [IIT-2011]
the origin O. Its velocity makes an angle
with the x-axis and it hits the trolley. 2  10  3
Ans.[5] T = = 3 sec
2  10
y
A
x = 10 cos 60° (T) = 5 3 m

In frame of train,

45º 1
O x 5 3= × a × ( 3 )2 + 1.15
2
(a) The motion of the ball is observed from
(a : acceleration of train)
the frame of the trolley. Calculate the
angle made by the velocity vector of the a = 5 m/sec2

ball with the x-axis in this frame.

(b) Find the speed of the ball with respect to
the surface, if  = 4 /3. [IIT-2002]

Sol. (a) From the diagram v BT makes an angle of
45º with x – axis
B

vT
vB
vBT
60º
45º
O A

vB vT
(b) Using sine rule =
sin 135º sin 15º
vB = 2 m/s

PROJECTILE MOTION 130

130
 EXERCISE # 5(ARCHIVES)
 Old IIT-JEE questions (a) Calculate the distance between the towers
and
Q.1 A boat which has a speed of 5 km/hr in still (b) Find the position where the objects hit the
water crosses a river of width 1 km along the ground. [IIT – 1994]
shortest possible path in 15 minutes. The
C
velocity of the river water in km/hr is : 60°
2m
[IIT-1988]
v m h2
(A) 1 (B) 3 A
h1 P
(C) 4 (D) 41
Sol.[B] vertical displacement = 1 km 20 m 30 m
15 1
t= = hr d1 d2
60 4 B O D
1
 Vb cos  = = 4 km/h (Vb = velocity of
1/ 4 d
boat in still water)
C V B Sol.
C (d, 30)
60°

Vbcos 1km (0, 20) h2

V b
A
h1 P
Vbcos A
4 4 3
 cos  = =  sin =
Vb 5 5 y y
V
By velocity triangle ABC sin  = r B O D
Vb
Vr 3 V 3 x d–x
 =  r =  Vr = 3 km/h
Vb 5 5 5 Consider origin at point B

u1 = 10 î
Q.2 Two towers AB and CD are situated a   1 3 
u 2 = 10   î  ĵ
distance ‘d’ apart as shown in figure. AB is  2 2 

20 m high and CD is 30 m high from the = –5 î – 5 3 ĵ
ground. An object of mass m is thrown from 
the top of AB horizontally with the velocity a = – 10 ĵ
of 10 ms–1 towards CD. Simultaneously For motion of ball thrown from AB,
another object of mass 2 m is thrown from the x î + (y – 20) ĵ = (10 î ) t0 – 5t02 ĵ
top of CD at an angle of 60º to the horizontal  
1  2
towards AB with the same magnitude of [using s = u t + at]
2
initial velocity as that of the first object. The  x = 10t0, y = 20 – 5t02
two objects move in the same vertical plane, For motion of ball thrown from CD,
collide in mid-air and stick to each other. (x – d) î + (y – 30) ĵ = (–5 î –5 3 ĵ ) t0 – 5t02 ĵ
PROJECTILE MOTION 131
131
   1  2 20 20
[using s = u t + at] r– =0r= = 11.5473m from B
2 3 3
x – d = – 5t0 , y – 30 = –5 3 t0 – 5t02

x = d – 5 t0, y = 30 – 5 3 t0 – 5t02 Q.3 Two guns, situated on the top of a hill of

As the balls collide so, height 10 m, fire one shot each with the same
20 – 5t02 = 30 – 5 3 t0 – 5t02 speed 5 3 ms–1 at some interval of time. One
5 3 t0 = 10  t0 = 2/ 3 gun fires horizontally and other fires upwards
at an angle of 60º with the horizontal. The
2 20
x = 10 × m= m shots collide in air at a point P. Find (a) the
3 3
time-interval between the firings, and (b) the
20 10 30
d = x + 5t0 = + = = 10 3 = 17.32 m coordinates of the point P. Take origin of the
3 3 3
coordinate system at the foot of the hill right
4 below the muzzle and trajectories in x-y
y = 20 – 5t 02 = 20 – 5 × = 40/3 m
3 plane. [IIT – 1995]
For ball thrown from AB,
 + ve
20 5 3 ms–1  – ve
vx = 10 î , vy = 0 + 10 (– ĵ ) t0 = – ĵ
3 II
60°
 20 5 3 ms–1
v = 10 î – ĵ I
3
For ball thrown from CD,
Sol. Hill
 2  (x, y)
vx = –5 î , vy = –5 3 ĵ + 10 (– ĵ )  
 3 (0, 0)
 20 
=   5 3 –  ĵ For first gun,
 3
x1 = 5 3 t1 ....(1)
  20 
v = –5 î –  5 3   ĵ 1 2
 3 y1 = 10 – gt1 ....(2)
2
For second gun,
By principle of momentum conservation, x2 = 5 3 cos 60° t2
 20      5 3
m 10î  ĵ  + 2m   5î   5 3  20  ĵ  x2 = t2 ....(3)
  
 3    3   2
1 2
 y2 = 10 + 5 3 sin 60° t2 – gt2
= (m + 2m) v 2
 1  20 10  30 15 gt 2
v= ĵ  10î  = 10 + t2 – 2
10î – ĵ = ĵ 2 2
3  3 3  3
For collision,
= –10 3 ĵ x1 = x2, y1 = y2

Let balls fall at distance r from A at point O 5 3

x1 = x2  5 3 t1 = t2
after travelling in air form time t1 2
 t2 = 2t1
 20  40
 r   î – ĵ = (–10 3 ĵ ) t – 5t2 ĵ gt 12 15 gt 2
 3 3 y1 = y2  10 – = 10 + t2 – 2
2 2 2
PROJECTILE MOTION 132
132
 g ( t 22 – t12 ) = 15t2
x
g [4 t12 – t12 ] = 15 × 2t1 y
g × 3 t12 = 30 t1  Q
t1 = 1 sec g cos 
t2 = 2t1 = 2 sec 
Time interval between firings = 2 – 1 = 1 sec  g
The coordinates of point P,
x1 = 5 3 t1 = 5 3 × 1 = 5 3 (a) Initial velocity u of the projectile has two
1 1 components
y1 = 10 – gt 12 = 10 – × 10 × 12 = 5
2 2 Along x –axis, ux = u cos 1
Along y-axis, uy = u sin  2
Q.4 A large, heavy box is sliding without friction
The acceleration of the projectile are
down a smooth plane of inclination . From a
Along x-axis, gx = g sin  ...(3)
point P on the bottom of the box, a particle is
Along y-axis, gy = g cos  ...(4)
projected inside the box. The initial speed of
Displacement of the particle along the
the particle with respect to the box is u, and
x-axis and y-axis with respect to the box
the direction of projection makes an angle 
x = u xt ...(5)
with the bottom as shown in figure.
1 2
[IIT - 1998] y = u yt – gyt ....(6)
2
To determine the range of projectile along
the x-axis, we put y = 0 in equation (6), so
 Q
as to determine the time at which the
P particle returns on the x-axis. This gives
 2u y 2u sin 
t= =
(a) Find the distance along the bottom of the g cos  g cos 
box between the point of projection P and substituting value of t in (5), we get
the point Q where the particle lands.  2u sin   sin 2
x = uxt = (u cos )   =
(Assume that the particle does not hit any  g cos   g cos 
other surface of the box. Neglect air
(b) Since the horizontal displacement of the
resistance) particle as seen by an observer on the
(b) If the horizontal displacement of the ground is zero, the box covers a distance
particle as seen by an observer on the exactly equal to the projectile range
ground is zero, find the speed of the box  u sin 2   2u sin  
x =   in time t   
with respect to the ground at the instant  g cos    g cos  
when particle was projected. The acceleration experienced by the box
Sol. along the inclined plane is g sin . If v is
the velocity of the box at the instant, the
projectile was projected then by using the
expression.
1 2
s = ut + at we get
2

PROJECTILE MOTION 133

133
 u sin 2 v.2u sin  y
=
g cos  g cos 
t=t
2 r
1  2u sin  
+ (g sin )   x
2  g cos   O

u sin .sin 
u cos  = v +
cos 
 cos  cos   sin  sin   From the given equations we can find,
v=u  
 cos   dx
= vx = – ap sin pt;
u cos(  ) dt
=
cos  d2x
= ax = ap2 cos pt
dt 2
Q.5 The coordinates of a particle moving in a
dy
= vy = bp cos pt and
plane are given by x(t) = a cos (pt) and y(t) = b dt
sin (pt) where a, b (< a) and p are positive
d2y
= ay = – bp2 sin pt
constants of appropriate dimensions. Then – dt 2
(A) the path of the particle is an ellipse  
At time t= or pt =
(B) the velocity and acceleration of the 2p 2
particle are normal to each other at
 y
t = /(2p) t =2p
vy
(C) the acceleration of the particle is always
ax x
towards a focus O
(D) the distance travelled by the particle in
time interval t = 0 to t = /(2p) is a.
[IIT - 1999] 
ax and vy become zero (because cos = 0)
2
Sol.[A,B,C]
only vx and ay are left,
x
x = a cos pt  cos (pt) = or we can say that velocity is along negative
a
x-axis and acceleration along y-axis
y
y = b sin pt  sin (pt) =
b 
Hence at t = , velocity and acceleration of
2p
Squaring and adding (1) and (2), we get
the particle are normal to each other. So option
x2 y2
 =1 (b) is also correct. At t = t, position of the
a2 b2

 Path of the particle is in ellipse. particle r (t) = xî + yĵ = a cos pt î + b sin pt ĵ
Hence option (a) is correct and acceleration of the particle is

a ( t ) = a x î + a y ĵ = p2 [a cos pt î + b sin pt ĵ ]


= –p2 [x î + y ĵ = – p2 r (t)]

PROJECTILE MOTION 134

134
 Therefore acceleration of the particle is always 1
u cos  t = 3 + × 1.5 t2 ....(1)
directed towards origin. 2
Hence option (C) is also correct. 1 2
Along vertical, 1.25 = u sin  t – gt ...(2)
2

At t = 0, particle is at (a, 0) and at t = ,
2p 1 2
[using sy = uyt + a yt ]
2
particle is at (0, b), Therefore, the distance
v cos 45° = u cos  [using vx = ux]
covered is one fourth of the elipitical path not a.
–v sin 45° = u sin  – gt [using vy = uy + ayt]
Hence option (d) is wrong.
v cos 45 u cos 
=
– v sin 45 u sin   gt
Q.6 An object A is kept fixed at the point x = 3 m
and y = 1.25 m on a plank P raised above the  u cos  + u sin  = gt
ground. At time t = 0 the plank starts moving u (cos  + sin ) = gt ....(3)
along the +x direction with an acceleration gt 2
by (2) u sin  t = 1.25 + ....(4)
1.5 m/s2. At the same instant a stone is 2
projected from the origin with a velocity u as Adding (1) & (4),
shown. A stationary person on the ground
1 3 2
observes the stone hitting the object during its ut (cos  + sin ) = 4.25 + × t + 5t2
2 2
downwards motion at an angle of 45º to the
10 t2 = 4.25 + 0.75 t2 + 5t2 [using (3)]
horizontal. All the motions are in x-y plane.
Find u and the time after which the stone hits 4.25 t2 = 4.25 , t = 1 sec
the object. Take g = 10 m/s2. [IIT – 2000] 1
By (1), u cos  = 3 + × 1.5 × 1 = 3.75 m
2
A u sin  = 1.25 + 5 × 1 = 6.25 m
y
1.25m P  u2 (cos2  + sin2 ) = (3.75)2 + (6.25)2
u = 7.3 m/s
6.25 5 5
tan  = = ;  = tan–1
u 3.75 3 3
x
 3m
Sol. Q.7 Two particles are projected from the same
y point with velocities v and 2v making equal
A B angle  = 30º with the horizontal in opposite
45° directions as shown in the figure. Find the
u separation between them when their velocity
1.25m vectors become mutually perpendicular. The
 acceleration due to gravity is g.
A1 B1
x v 2v
 3m
Let stone hits the object at B after a time t,
object goes from A to B in time t. Let v be  
velocity of stone at B Sol. Let the point of projection be taken as origin.
For stone, along horizontal For 1st particle at any instant of time,
OB1 = OA1 + A1B1 vx = v cos , vy = uy + ayt = v sin  – gt

PROJECTILE MOTION 135

135
 
 v 1 = v cos  (– î ) + (v sin  – gt) ĵ
 3v 2 2 3v 2
s2 = 2 î + 0 ĵ = î
g g
= – v cos  î + (v sin – gt) ĵ
 separation between particles ,
 3v î  v  3 3v 2 v2
= +   gt  ĵ  
s 2  s1 = î  ĵ
2 2  g g
For 2nd particle at any instant of time,
vx = 2 v cos  , vy = uy + ay t = 2v sin  – gt 27 v 4 v4 v2 2 7v2
=  = 28 =

g2 g2 g g
v 2 = v x î  v y ĵ = 2v cos  î + (2v sin  – gt) ĵ

= 3vî + (v–gt) ĵ Q.8 A projectile is fired with velocity u at an

When their velocity vectors become angle  so as to strike a point on the inclined
perpendicular, then plane inclined at an angle  with the
  horizontal. The point of projection is at a
v1 . v 2 =0
distance d from the inclined plane on the
3v 2 v 2 gtv ground as shown in the figure. The angle  is
– + – –gtv + g2t2 = 0
2 2 2 adjusted in such a way that the projecile can
3gtv strike the inclined plane in minimum time,
–v2 – + g2t2 = 0
2 find that minimum time.
2g2t2 – 3gtv – 2v2 = 0
2g2t2 – 4gtv + gvt – 2v2 = 0
2gt (gt – 2v) + v (gt – 2v) = 0
u
(2gt + v) (gt – 2v) = 0
 
 t = 2v/g
For motion of first particle d
Sol. For motion of projectile from O to A,
 gt 2
s1 = sx î + sy ĵ = – v cos  t î + (v sin  t – ) ĵ
2 gt 2
Along vertical, y = u sin  t –
3v  vt gt 2  2
=– t î +    ĵ
2 2 2  x = u cos  t
 
For motion of second particle,
A
 gt 2
s 2 = sx î + sy ĵ = 2 v cos  t î + (2v sin  t– ) ĵ
2
u
 gt 2  y
= 3 vt î +  vt  ĵ
 2  
 O  C
B
2v x d–x
 At t = ,
g d

 3v 2 v  v 2v g 4v 2  y
s1 = – × î +     ĵ Now from ABC, tan  =
2 g  2 g 2 g2  dx
 
y = d tan  – x tan 
3v 2 v2
=– î – ĵ gt 2
g g  u sin  t – = d tan  – u cos tan  t ..(1)
2
 3v 2 v  v 2v g 4v 2 
s2 = × î +     ĵ
2 g  2 g 2 g2 
 
PROJECTILE MOTION 136
136
 d d  gt 2  d The higher value of t corresponds to the time when
[u sin  t] –  = [d tan ]
d d  2  dt the projectile hits the inclined plane when it is
 
descending and the lower value of t corresponds to
d the time when the projectile hits the inclined plane
– [u cos  tan t]
dt
when it is ascending.
dt g dt So, for minimum value of time we choose the lower
ut cos  + u sin  – × 2t = 0 + ut tan  sin
d 2 d value from two possible minimum times,
dt
– u tan  cos  …(2) u  u 2  gd sin 2
d t=
g cos 
dt
Now maximum or minimum time, =0
d
Q.9 A particle is projected with an initial speed u
From (2), ut cos  = ut tan  sin 
from a point at height h above the horizontal

 tan cot = tan  plane as shown in the figure. Find the
2
maximum range on the horizontal plane.

    u
2
This value will correspond to minima and can be
 d2t 
checked by calculating the double derivative  2 
 d 
 
h
 
P utting  = – i.e.  –  in 
2 2
2
  gt
u sin     t –
2  2 Sol. Suppose the particle is projected at an angle .

  Assuming origin to be at point of projection, the

= d tan  – u cos     tan  t
2  equation of trajectory for particle is,

gt 2 gx 2
u cos t – = d tan  – u sin  tan  t y = x tan  –
2 2u 2 cos 2 
gt2 – 2u cos  t [tan2] + 2d tan  = 0 u
gt2 – 2u cos  t sec2  + 2d tan  = 0
2u t 
gt2 – + 2d tan  = 0
cos 
gt2 – 2u sec  t + 2d tan  = 0

2u sec   4u 2 sec 2   8gd tan 

t=
2g

u sec   sec  u 2  2gd sin  cos  P

=
g
The coordinates of P are (x, – h)
2
u  u  gd sin 2 So we have,
=
g cos 
gx 2
2 2 –h = x tan  –
u  u  gd sin 2 u  u  gd sin 2 2u cos 2 
2
t= ,
g cos  g cos 

PROJECTILE MOTION 137

137
 gx 2
–h = x tan  – (1 + tan2)
2u 2

gx 2  gx 2 
tan2– x tan +  2  h  = 0
2
2u  2u 

For real value of tan , this quadratic should

have a non-negative discriminant,

 gx 2   gx 2 
x2 – 4  2  h   2  0
 2u   2u 
   

g2 2ghx 2
x2 – x4 + 0
u4 u2

 2gh  g 2 
x2 1  2   4 x 2   0
 u  u 

2gh g2
 1+ – x2  0
u2 u4

u 4  2gh 
x2  1  2 
g2  u 

u2 2gh
x 1
g u2
u
x u 2  2gh
g

u
 x max = u 2  2gh
g

PROJECTILE MOTION 138

138