Question:easy

The range of projectile is maximum when the angle of projection is

Show Hint

Launching at exactly \( 45^\circ \) provides the perfect balance between the vertical velocity component (which keeps the projectile in the air longer) and the horizontal velocity component (which moves the projectile forward faster).
Updated On: Jul 4, 2026
  • \( 30^\circ \)
  • \( 45^\circ \)
  • \( 60^\circ \)
  • \( 90^\circ \)
Show Solution

The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Write the range as a function of the launch angle.
For a fixed launch speed \( v_0 \), the horizontal range is \[ R(\theta) = \frac{v_0^2}{g}\sin(2\theta) \]
Step 2: Differentiate and set the slope to zero.
To find where \( R \) is largest, take the derivative with respect to \( \theta \) and set it to zero: \[ \frac{dR}{d\theta} = \frac{v_0^2}{g}\cdot 2\cos(2\theta) = 0 \quad \Rightarrow \quad \cos(2\theta) = 0 \]
Step 3: Solve for \( \theta \) and confirm it is a maximum.
\[ 2\theta = 90^\circ \quad \Rightarrow \quad \theta = 45^\circ \] The second derivative is \( \frac{d^2R}{d\theta^2} = -\frac{4v_0^2}{g}\sin(2\theta) \), which is negative at \( \theta = 45^\circ \) since \( \sin(90^\circ) = 1 \gt 0 \), confirming this is indeed a maximum.
So the range is maximum at \( \theta = \boxed{45^\circ} \), matching option (B).
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