Question:medium

Two projectiles are projected at \( 30^\circ \) and \( 60^\circ \) with the horizontal with the same speed. The ratio of the maximum height attained by the two projectiles respectively is:

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To determine the ratio of maximum heights of projectiles, focus on the square of the sine of the angle of projection, \( \sin^2 \theta \), as height depends directly on it.
Updated On: Nov 26, 2025
  • \( 2 : \sqrt{3} \)
  • \( \sqrt{3} : 1 \)
  • \( 1 : 3 \)
  • \( 1 : \sqrt{3} \)
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

The maximum height of a projectile is determined by its vertical motion. At its peak, the projectile's vertical velocity is zero. The equation governing this is: \[v_y^2 = u_y^2 - 2gH_{\text{max}},\] where \( u_y = u \sin \theta \) represents the initial vertical velocity, \( v_y = 0 \) at maximum height, \( g \) is the acceleration due to gravity, and \( H_{\text{max}} \) is the maximum height. Rearranging to solve for \( H_{\text{max}} \): \[H_{\text{max}} = \frac{u_y^2}{2g} = \frac{(u \sin \theta)^2}{2g}.\] Consider two projectiles with projection angles: \[\theta_1 = 30^\circ \quad \text{and} \quad \theta_2 = 60^\circ.\] For the first projectile: \[H_1 = \frac{(u \sin 30^\circ)^2}{2g}.\] For the second projectile: \[H_2 = \frac{(u \sin 60^\circ)^2}{2g}.\] The ratio of their maximum heights is: \[\frac{H_1}{H_2} = \frac{(u \sin 30^\circ)^2}{(u \sin 60^\circ)^2}.\] Canceling the common term \( u^2 \) and substituting \( \sin 30^\circ = \frac{1}{2} \) and \( \sin 60^\circ = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} \): \[\frac{H_1}{H_2} = \frac{\left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^2}{\left(\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}\right)^2}.\] Simplifying the expression: \[\frac{H_1}{H_2} = \frac{\frac{1}{4}}{\frac{3}{4}} = \frac{1}{3}.\] Therefore, the ratio of the maximum heights is: \[H_1 : H_2 = 1 : 3.\] Final Answer: \[\boxed{1 : 3}\]
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