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com
M th






projectile
An object thrown into space with certain velocity, fired from a gun or dropped from a moving
plane is called projectile.
A projectile moves with a constant horizontal velocity and at the same time falls freely under
the action of gravity. The path of projectile is called trajectory.
Trajectory of a Projectile
Let a particle of mass m is projected from a point O with initial velocity v
0
making an
angle with horizontal. Take O as origin and horizontal and vertical lines through O as
x-axis and y-axis respectively.






y





P(x, y)








v
0
r








mg j

0

x-axis






Suppose that after time t the particle is at point P(x, y) whose position vector is r . i.e.
r = xi

+ yj

dr
dt
=
dx
dt
i

+
dy
dt
j

v =
dx
dt
i

+
dy
dt
j

CHAPTER
7
PROJECTILE MOTION



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2

dv
dt
=
d
2
x
dt
2
i

+
d
2
y
dt
2
j

a =
d
2
x
dt
2
i

+
d
2
y
dt
2
j

________(i)
The gravitational force F

acting on the particle at point P(x, y) is

= mg j

________(ii)
By Newtons 2
nd
law of motion
F

= ma
= m
d
2
x
dt
2
i

+
d
2
y
dt
2
j

________(iii)
From (ii) & (iii), we get
m
d
2
x
dt
2
i

+
d
2
y
dt
2
j

mg j

d
2
x
dt
2
i

+
d
2
y
dt
2
j

0.i

g j

d
2
x
dt
2
0 and
d
2
y
dt
2
g
On integrating with respect to t, we get
dx
dt
= A and
dy
dt
= gt + B _________(iv)
Where A & B are constant of integration. To determine the value of these constant we apply
the initial conditions.
Initially at t = 0
dx
dt
= v
0
cos and
dy
dt
= v
0
sin
Using these values in (iv), we get
A = v
0
cos and B = v
0
sin
Using values of A & B in (iv), we get
dx
dt
= v
0
cos and
dy
dt
= v
0
sin gt ________(v)
Eq(v) gives the horizontal and vertical components of velocity at any time t.
On integrating (v), with respect to t, we get
x = v
0
cost + C and y = v
0
sint
1
2
gt
2
+ D ________(vi)
Where C & D are constant of integration. To determine the value of these constant we apply
the initial conditions.
Initially at t = 0, x = 0 and y = 0



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3
C = D = 0
Using value of C & D in (vi), we get
x = v
0
cos t ________(vii)
and y = v
0
sin t
1
2
gt
2
________(viii)
Equations (vii) and (viii) are parametric equations of trajectory. Now we find Cartesian
equation of trajectory.
From (vii)
t =
x
v
0
cos

Putting value of t in (viii), we get
y = v
0
sin
x
v
0
cos

1
2
g
x
v
0
cos

2

y = xtan
gx
2
2v
0
2
sec
2

Which is Cartesian equation of trajectory of a projectile.
Vertex, Latus Rectum & Maximum Height of a Projectile
We know that the Cartesian equation of the trajectory of a projectile is:
y = xtan
gx
2
2v
0
2
sec
2


gx
2
2v
0
2
sec
2
= xtan y
x
2
=
2v
0
2
gsec
2

xtan y
2v
0
2
gsec
2

x
2
=
xv
0
2
sincos
g

2yv
0
2
cos
2

g

x
2

xv
0
2
sincos
g

2yv
0
2
cos
2

g


Adding
v
0
2
sincos
g

2
on both sides we get
x
2

xv
0
2
sincos
g
+
v
0
2
sincos
g

v
0
2
sincos
g

2yv
0
2
cos
2

g

x
v
0
2
sincos
g

2
=
2v
0
2
cos
2

g
y
v
0
2
sin
2

2g

Comparing with (x h)
2
= 4a(y k), we get



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4
h
v
0
2
sincos
g
, 4a
2v
0
2
cos
2

g
, k
v
0
2
sin
2

2g

Thus, Vertex = h, k
v
0
2
sincos
g
,
v
0
2
sin
2

2g

Latus Rectum = | || |4a| || |
2v
0
2
cos
2

g

Height (H) = k
v
0
2
sin
2

2g

Focus
X-coordinate of focus = x-coordinate of vertex

v
0
2
sincos
g

v
0
2
2sincos
2g

v
0
2
2g
sin2
Y-coordinate of focus = H
1
4
(Latus Rectum)

v
0
2
sin
2

2g

1
4

2v
0
2
cos
2

v
0
2
sin
2

2g

v
0
2
cos
2

2g


v
0
2
2g
cos
2
cos
2

v
0
2
2g
cos2
Thus, Focus =
v
0
2
2g
sin2,
v
0
2
2g
cos2
Equation of Directrix
Height of directrix above the x-axis is:
y = H +
1
4
(Latus Rectum)

v
0
2
sin
2

2g
+
1
4

2v
0
2
cos
2

g




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5

v
0
2
sin
2

2g
+
v
0
2
cos
2

2g


v
0
2
2g
sin
2
+ cos
2


v
0
2
2g

Time of Flight
The time taken by the projectile in reaching the final point is called the time of flight of the
projectile. We know that parametric equation of trajectory of projectile are:
x = v
0
cost and y = v
0
sint
1
2
gt
2

To find the time of flight put y = 0
v
0
sint
1
2
gt
2
= 0
v
0
sin
1
2
gt t = 0
v
0
sin
1
2
gt = 0 t 0
t =
2v
0
sin
g

Thus, T.F =
2v
0
sin
g

Range of a Projectile
The range or horizontal range of the projectile is the horizontal distance covered by the
projectile during time of flight.
Range (R) = (Horizontal Velocity)(Time of Flight)
v
0
cos
2v
0
sin
g

v
0
2
g
sin2
R will be maximum when sin2 is maximum.
i.e. sin2 = 1
2 = sin
1
(1)
2 = 90
0
= 45
0




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6
Which shows that if projectile is projected with an angle of 45
0
then it covers the maximum
horizontal distance.
Thus R
max
=
v
0
2
g

Question 1
Determine the maximum possible range for a projectile fired from a cannon having muzzle
velocity v
0
and prove that the height reached in this case is
v
0
2
4g

Solution
Solution
We know that
Rage = (Horizontal Velocity)(Time of Fight)
v
0
cos
2v
0
sin
g

v
0
2
g
sin2
R will be maximum when sin2 is maximum.
i.e. sin2 = 1 2 = sin
1
(1)
2 = 90
0
= 45
0

Which shows that if projectile is projected with an angle of 45
0
then it covers the maximum
horizontal distance.
Thus R
max
=
v
0
2
g

As Height reached
v
0
2
sin
2

2g

Put = 45
0

Height reached
v
0
2
sin
2
45
2g

v
0
2

1
2

2
2g

v
0
2
4g

Question 2
What is the maximum range of possible for a projectile fired from a cannon having muzzle
velocity 1mile/sec. What is the height reached in this case.?
Solution




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7
We know that
Rage = (Horizontal Velocity)(Time of Fight)
v
0
cos
2v
0
sin
g

v
0
2
g
sin2
R will be maximum when sin2 is maximum.
i.e. sin2 = 1
2 = sin
1
(1)
2 = 90
0
= 45
0

So R
max
=
v
0
2
g

Given that
v
0
= 1 mile/sec = 1760 yard/sec = 1760 3 ft/sec = 5280ft/sec
Thus R
max
=
5280
2
32

871200 feet
871200
5280
mile 165 mile
As Height reached
v
0
2
sin
2

2g

Put = 45
0

Height reached
v
0
2
sin
2
45
2g


v
0
2

1
2

2
2g

v
0
2
4g


5280
2
4(32)

217800 feet

217800
5280
mile 41.25 mile
Question 3
A cannon has its maximum range R. Prove that
(a) the height reached is
R
4

(b) the time of flight is
2R
g

Solution



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8
We know that
Rage = (Horizontal Velocity)(Time of Fight)
v
0
cos
2v
0
sin
g

v
0
2
g
sin2
R will be maximum when sin2 is maximum.
i.e. sin2 = 1 2 = sin
1
(1) 2 = 90
0
= 45
0

So R
max
=
v
0
2
g

Given that
R
max
= R
R =
v
0
2
g

v
0
2
= Rg
As Height reached
v
0
2
sin
2

2g


Rg sin
2
45
2g

R
1
2

2
2

R
4

We know that
Time of Flight
2v
0
sin
g

=
2Rgsin45
g
=
2Rg
g2
=
2R
g

Question 4
A projectile having horizontal range T, reaches a maximum height H. Prove that it must
have been launched with
(a) an initial speed equal to

gR
2
+16H
2

8H

(b) at an angle with horizontal given by
sin
1

4H

R
2
+16H
2

Solution
We know that
R = Rage = (Horizontal Velocity)(Time of Fight)



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9
v
0
cos
2v
0
sin
g

v
0
2
g
sin2
and H = Height reached
v
0
2
sin
2

2g

Now
R
2
+16H
2
=
v
0
2
g
sin2
2
+ 16
v
0
2
sin
2

2g

2

=
v
0
4
g
2
4sin
2
cos
2
+ 4
v
0
4
sin
4

g
2

=
4v
0
4
g
2
sin
2
cos
2
+ sin
2

=
4v
0
4
sin
2

g
2
________(i)

R
2
+16H
2
8H
=
4v
0
4
sin
2

g
2
g
4v
0
2
sin
2

=
v
0
2
g

v
0
2
=
gR
2
+16H
2

8H

v
0
=

gR
2
+16H
2

8H

From (i)

R
2
+16H
2
=
2v
0
2
sin
g


4H

R
2
+16H
2
=
2v
0
2
sin
2

g
g
2v
0
2
sin

sin
4H

R
2
+16H
2
sin
1

4H

R
2
+16H
2

Question 5
Find the range of a rifle bullet when is the elevation of projection and v
0
the speed. Show
that, if the rifle is fired with the same elevation and the speed from a car travelling with
speed V towards the target, and the range will be increased by
2v
0
Vsin
g

Solution




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10
We know that
Rage = (Horizontal Velocity)(Time of Fight)
R v
0
cos
2v
0
sin
g

v
0
2
g
sin2
When shell is fired from a car moving with velocity V towards the target then the horizontal
velocity increased by V.
i.e. Horizontal velocity = v
0
cos + V
Let R be new range. Then
R = (New Horizontal Velocity)(Time of Fight)
v
0
cos + V
2v
0
sin
g


v
0
2
g
sin2 +
2v
0
Vsin
g

Now
Increased in Range = R R

v
0
2
g
sin2 +
2v
0
Vsin
g

v
0
2
g
Vsin2

2v
0
Vsin
g

Question 6
The range of a rifle bullet is 1200yards when is the elevation of projection. Show that, if
the rifle is fired with the same elevation and the speed from a car travelling at 10 miles per
hour towards the target the range will be increased by 220tan feet.
Solution
Given that
R = 1200yards = 1200 3 = 3600ft.
and V = 10 mile /h
=
10 1760 3
3600

=
44
3
ft/sec
We know that
Rage = (Horizontal Velocity)(Time of Fight)



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11
R v
0
cos
2v
0
sin
g

v
0
2
g
sin2
v
0
2

Rg
sin2

v
0

Rg
sin2

Rg
2sincos

When shell is fired from a car moving with velocity V towards the target then the horizontal
velocity increased by V.
i.e. Horizontal velocity = v
0
cos + V
Let R be new range. Then
R = (New Horizontal Velocity)(Time of Fight)
v
0
cos + V
2v
0
sin
g


v
0
2
g
sin2 +
2v
0
Vsin
g

Now
Increased in Range = R R

v
0
2
g
sin2 +
2v
0
Vsin
g

v
0
2
g
Vsin2

2v
0
Vsin
g


2Vsin
g

Rg
2sincos

V
2R
g
tan

44
3

2 3600
32
tan

44
3

60
4
tan
220tan





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12
Question 7
A battleship is steaming ahead with sped V and a gun is mounted on the battleship so as
the point straight backwards, and is set at an angle of elevation . If v
0
is the speed of
projection (relative to the gun), show that the range is
2v
0
g
sin v
0
cos V
Also prove that the angle of elevation for maximum range is
cos
1

V +

V
2
+ 8v
0
2
4v
0

Solution
When shell is fired from a battleship moving ahead with velocity V towards the target which
is behind the battleship then the horizontal velocity decreased by V.
i.e. Horizontal velocity = v
0
cos V
Let R be the range. Then
R = (Horizontal Velocity)(Time of Fight)
v
0
cos V
2v
0
sin
g


2v
0
sin
g
v
0
cos V
Differentiating w.r.t , we get
dR
d

2v
0
g
cosv
0
cos V sinv
0
sin

2v
0
g
v
0
cos
2
Vcos v
0
sin
2


2v
0
g
v
0
cos
2
sin
2
Vcos

2v
0
g
v
0
cos
2
1 cos
2
Vcos

2v
0
g
v
0
2cos
2
1 Vcos

2v
0
g
2v
0
cos
2
Vcos v
0

Differentiating again w.r.t , we get
d
2
R
d
2

2v
0
g
4v
0
cossin + Vsin



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13

2v
0
g
sinV 4v
0
cos
Putting
dR
d
= 0, we get
2v
0
g
2v
0
cos
2
Vcos v
0
0
2v
0
cos
2
Vcos v
0
0
cos =
V

V
2
+ 8v
0
2
4v
0

At cos =
V +

V
2
+ 8v
0
2
4v
0

d
2
R
d
2

2v
0
g
sinV 4v
0
V +

V
2
+ 8v
0
2
4v
0


2v
0
g
sin

V
2
+ 8v
0
2

So
d
2
R
d
2
< 0 at cos =
V +

V
2
+ 8v
0
2
4v
0

Which shows that R is maximum at cos =
V +

V
2
+ 8v
0
2
4v
0
.
Thus the angle of elevation for maximum range is given by
cos
1

V +

V
2
+ 8v
0
2
4v
0

Question 8
A shell bursts on contact with the ground and pieces from it fly in all directions with all
speeds up to 80feet per seconds. Prove that a man 100 feet away is in danger for
5
2

seconds.
Solution
We know that
Rage = (Horizontal Velocity)(Time of Fight)
v
0
cos
2v
0
sin
g


v
0
2
g
sin2



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14
Given that
R = 100ft, v
0
= 80ft/sec and g = 32ft/sec
2

So 100 =
80
2
32
sin2
100 =
6400
32
sin2
sin2 =
1
2
2 = sin
1

1
2
2 = 30, 150 = 15, 75
For the range of 100ft. there are two angles of projection. Let T
1
and T
2
be the times of the
flights respectively. Then
T
1
=
2v
0
sin15
g
and T
2
=
2v
0
sin75
g

Let T be the maximum time of danger for the man. Then
T = T
2
T
1

=
2v
0
sin75
g

2v
0
sin15
g

=
2v
0
g
sin75 sin15
=
2v
0
g
2cos
75 + 15
2
sin
75 15
2

=
2v
0
g
2cos45sin30
=
4(80)
32

1
2

1
2
=
5
2
sec
Question 9
A number of particles are projected from the same point at the same instant in various
directions with speed v
0
. Prove that at any subsequent time t, they will be on a sphere of
radius v
0
t and determine the motion of the centre of the sphere.
Solution
Let a particle moving with velocity v
0
makes an angle . Let after time t a particle is at a
point P(x, y, z). Then
x = (v
0
cos)t
y = (v
0
sin) t
1
2
gt
2
y +
1
2
gt
2

= (v
0
sin) t


T
2






75
0
T
1


15
0

100ft.




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15
z = 0
Squaring and adding we get
x
2

+ y +
1
2
gt
2

2
+ z
2
= (v
0
cos)t
2
+(v
0
sin)t
2

= v
0
2
t
2
cos
2
+ sin
2

= v
0
t
2

Which is a sphere of a radius v
0
t centered at 0,
1
2
gt
2
, 0. Since the centre lies on the
vertical axis and as t increases centre descends under gravity along vertical axes.
Question 10
Prove that the speed required to project a particle from a height h to fall a horizontal
distance a from the point of projection is at least

a
2
+ h
2
h
Solution



v
0




x

O a
h

P(a, h)

Let O be the point of the projection from where the projectile is projected. Let v
0
be the
velocity making angle with horizontal. Let h be the height of the point of the projection O
and projectile fall a distance a from O. Let it falls at a point P, therefore the coordinates of P
are (a, h).
We know that the Cartesian equation of the trajectory of a projectile is:
y = xtan
gx
2
2v
0
2
sec
2

Since P(a, h) lies on it, therefore
h = atan
ga
2
2v
0
2
sec
2

2v
0
2
h = 2av
0
2
tan ga
2
1 tan
2




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16
ga
2
tan
2
2v
0
2
xtan + ga
2
2v
0
2
h = 0
Since it is coodratic in tan and tan is real therefore discriminate is greater than zero.
i.e.
b
2
4ac 0
2av
0
2

4ga
2
ga
2
2v
0
2
h 0
2av
0
2

4ga
2
ga
2
2v
0
2
h
4a
2
v
0
4
4g
2
a
4
8gha
2
v
0
2
v
0
4
g
2
a
2
2ghv
0
2

v
0
4
+ 2ghv
0
2
g
2
a
2
v
0
4
+ 2ghv
0
2
+ gh
2
g
2
a
2
+ gh
2

v
0
2
+ gh

g
2
a
2
h
2

v
0
2
+ gh g
2
a
2
h
2

v
0
2
g

a
2
h
2
gh
v
0

a
2
h
2
h
Hence the least velocity of projection is
v
0
=

a
2
h
2
h
Question 11
A projectile is launched at an angle from a cliff of height H above the see level. if it falls
into the sea at a distance D from the base of the cliff, prove that the maximum height above
sea level is
H +
D
2
tan
2

4H + Dtan

Solution



v
0
h



x

O D
H

P(D, H)




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17
Let O be the point of the projection from where the projectile is projected. Let v
0
be the
velocity making angle with horizontal. Let H be the height of the point of the projection O
and projectile fall a distance D from O. Let it falls at a point P, therefore the coordinates of P
are (D, H).
Let h be the height above the x-axis then
h =
v
0
2
sin
2

2g
________(i)
We know that the Cartesian equation of the trajectory of a projectile is:
y = xtan
gx
2
2v
0
2
sec
2

Since P(D, H) lies on it, therefore
H = Dtan
gD
2
2v
0
2
sec
2

Dtan + H =
gD
2
2v
0
2
sec
2

v
0
2
=
gD
2
2H + Dtancos
2

Using value of v
0
2
in (i), we get
h =
gD
2
2H + Dtancos
2

sin
2

2g

=
D
2
tan
2

4H + Dtan

Height above sea level = H + h
H +
D
2
tan
2

4H + Dtan

Question 12
A ball is dropped from the top of a tower of height h. At the same moment, another ball is
thrown from a point of the ground at a distance k from the foot of tower so as to strike the
first ball at the depth d. Show that the initial speed and the direction of projection of the
speed ball are respectively

gh
2
k
2

2d
and tan
1

h
k

Solution



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18









Let the first ball is dropped from the height h and it strikes the second ball at the depth d at a
point P whose coordinates are (k, h d).
We know that
x = ut +
1
2
gt
2

For 1
st
ball, x = d and u = 0
So d =
1
2
gt
2
________(i)
For 2
nd
ball parametric equations are
x = (v
0
cos)t
and y = (v
0
sin)t
1
2
gt
2

Since P(k, h d) lies on it therefore
k = (v
0
cos)t ______(ii)
and h d = (v
0
sin)t
1
2
gt
2
______(iii)
Adding (i) and (iii), we get
h = (v
0
sin)t ______(iv)
Squaring (ii) and (iv) then adding, we get
h
2
+ k
2
= (v
0
sin)t
2
+ (v
0
cos)t
2

= v
0
2
t
2
sin
2
+ cos
2
= v
0
2
t
2

= v
0
2
2d
g
By(i)
v
0
2

gh
2
+ k
2

2d
v
0

gh
2
+ k
2

2d

I

d

P



h d h


v
0



x
II O k



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19
From (ii) & (iv), we have
tan =
h
k
= tan
1

h
k

Question 13
From a gun placed on a horizontal plane, which can fire a shell with speed 2gH, it is
required to thro a shell over a wall of height h, and the elevation of the gun cannot exceed
< 45
0
. Show that this will be possible only when h < Hsin
2
, and that, if this condition
be satisfied, the gun must be fired from within a strip of the plane whose breadth is
4cos HHsin
2
h
Solution
y






C

D



v
0


h

h






x
O O A B

Let AC be a wall of height h and particle be projected at O with speed v
0
making an angle .
Then v
0
= 2gH (given)
Now for a shell to cross the wall, the height of the wall is less than the height of vertex.
i.e. h <
v
0
2
sin
2

2g

h <
2gHsin
2

2g
v
0
= 2gH
h < Hsin
2

Which is required.
We know that the Cartesian equation of the trajectory of a projectile is:
y = xtan
gx
2
2v
0
2
sec
2

Putting y = h and v
0
= 2gH, we get



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20
h = xtan
x
2
4H
sec
2

4hH = 4xHtan x
2
sec
2

x
2
sec
2
4xHtan + 4hH 0
x
2
4xHtancos
2
+ 4hHcos
2
0
x
2
4xHsincos + 4hHcos
2
0
x =
4Hsincos

16H
2
sin
2
cos
2
41(4hHcos
2
)
2

=
4Hsincos

16H
2
sin
2
cos
2
16hHcos
2

2

=
4Hsincos 4cos

H
2
sin
2
hH
2

= 2Hsincos 2cos

H
2
sin
2
hH

Thus
OB = 2Hsincos + 2cos

H
2
sin
2
hH
OA =2Hsincos 2cos

H
2
sin
2
hH
Hence the breadth of the strip is:
OO = AB = OB OA = 4cos

H
2
sin
2
hH
















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21
Question 14
A shell fired with speed V at an elevation , hits an airship at height H,, which is moving
horizontally away from the gun with speed v
0
. Show that, if
2Vcos v
0
V
2
sin
2
2gH = v
0
Vsin
The shell might also have hit the air ship if the latter had remained stationary in the position it
occupied when the gun was actually fired.
Solution
y






A B


v
H

H






x
O

Let A be the position of airship when shot was fired and it hit plane at B. If t is the time taken
by hell to reach height H.
We know that
y = (v
0
sin)t
1
2
gt
2

Putting v
0
= V, = and y = H, we get
H = (Vsin)t
1
2
gt
2

2H = (Vsin)t gt
2

gt
2
(Vsin)t 2H = 0
t =
2Vsin

4V
2
sin
2
8Hg
2g

=
Vsin

V
2
sin
2
2Hg
g




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22
Let t
1
and t
2
be the time taken by the shell to reach the point A and B respectively. Then
t
1
=
Vsin

V
2
sin
2
2Hg
g
and t
2
=
Vsin +

V
2
sin
2
2Hg
g

Let T be the time taken by the shell from A to B. Then
T = t
2
t
1


Vsin +

V
2
sin
2
2Hg
g

Vsin

V
2
sin
2
2Hg
g


2

V
2
sin
2
2Hg
g

Now |AB| = Distance covered by shell
= (Horizontal Velocity)(Time)
Vcos
2

V
2
sin
2
2Hg
g


2Vcos

V
2
sin
2
2Hg
g
______(i)
Now |AB| = Distance covered by airship
= (Velocity)(Time) = v
0
t
2


v
0
Vsin +

V
2
sin
2
2Hg
g
______(ii)
From (i) and (ii), we get
2Vcos

V
2
sin
2
2Hg
g

v
0
Vsin +

V
2
sin
2
2Hg
g

2Vcos

V
2
sin
2
2Hg v
0
Vsin + v
0

V
2
sin
2
2Hg
v
0
Vsin = 2Vcos

V
2
sin
2
2Hg v
0

V
2
sin
2
2Hg
v
0
Vsin = 2Vcos v
0

V
2
sin
2
2Hg
Which is required.




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23
Question 15
An aeroplane is flying with constant speed v
0
and at constant height h. Show that if, a gun
is fired point blank at the aeroplane after it has passed directly over the gun when its angle
of elevation as seen from the gun is , the shell will hit the aero plane provided that
2 Vcos v
0
v
0
tan
2
= gh
Where V is the initial speed of the shot, the path being assumed parabolic.
Solution

A

B










h



O C D
Let A be the position of plane when shot was fired and it hit plane at B. Let v
0
be the speed of
plane.
From fig.
AB = v
0
t ( S = vt)
Horizontal coordinate of B = OD
= OC + CD
= OC + AB AB = CD
= OC + v
0
t AB = v
0
t _____(i)
In AOC
AC
OC
= tan

h
OC
= tan OC
h
tan
OC hcot
Using value of OC in (i), we get
Horizontal coordinate of B = hcot + v
0
t
Thus coordinates of B are (hcot + v
0
t, h)
The parametric equations are:
x = (v
0
cos)t
y = (v
0
sin)t
1
2
gt
2





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24
Here v
0
= V therefore
x = (Vcos)t ______(ii)
y = (Vsin)t
1
2
gt
2
______(iii)
Since B lies on the trajectory therefore x = hcot + v
0
t and y = h
Using x = hcot + v
0
t in (ii), we get
hcot + v
0
t = (Vcos)t
hcot = (Vcos)t v
0
t
hcot = (Vcos v
0
)t
t =
hcot
Vcos v
0

Using y = h in (iii), we get
h = (Vsin)t
1
2
gt
2

= (Vsin)
hcot
Vcos v0

1
2
g
hcot
Vcos v0

2

=
Vhcos
Vcos v
0

1
2
g
hcot
Vcos v
0

2

1 =
Vcos
Vcos v
0

h
2
g
cot
Vcos v
0

2

2Vcos v
0

2
= 2VcosVcos v
0
hgcot
2

ghcot
2
= 2VcosVcos v
0
2Vcos v
0

2

ghcot
2
= 2Vcos v
0
Vcos Vcos + v
0

gh = 2v
0
Vcos v
0
tan
2












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25
Parabola of Safety
A parabola which touches the every trajectory of a projectile which is formed inward for
different value of angle of projection with same initial velocity v
0
is called parabola of safety.

y


Parabola of safety








x
O
Equation of trajectory of a parabola is:
y = xtan
gx
2
2v
0
2
sec
2

y = xtan
gx
2
2v
0
2
1 + tan
2

y = xtan
gx
2
2v
0
2

gx
2
2v
0
2
tan
2


gx
2
2v
0
2
tan
2
xtan +
gx
2
2v
0
2
+ y = 0
This equation is quadratic in tan. For envelope put discriminate of equation equal to zero.
i.e.
b
2
4ac = 0
x
2
4
gx
2
2v
0
2

gx
2
2v
0
2
+ y = 0
1 2
g
v
0
2

gx
2
+ 2v
0
2
y
2v
0
2
= 0
g
gx
2
+ 2v
0
2
y
v
0
4
= 1
gx
2
+ 2v
0
2
y =
v
0
4
g

gx
2
= 2v
0
2
y +
v
0
4
g




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26
x
2
=
2v
0
2
y
g
+
2v
0
4
2g
2

x
2
=
2v
0
2
g
y
v
0
2
2g

Which is the equation of parabola of safety.
Question 16
A particle is projected at time t = 0 in a fixed vertical plane from a given point O with speed
2ga of which the vertical component is V. Show that at time t = 2a/V the particle is on a
fixed parabola (parabola of safety), that its path touches the parabola, and that its direction of
motion is then perpendicular to its direction of projection.
Solution
Given that v
0
= 2ga and V = v
0
sin
We know that the equation of parabola of safety is:
x
2
=
2v
0
2
g
y
v
0
2
2g

x
2
=
22ga
2
g
y
2ga
2
2g

= 4ay a _______(i)
Which is the equation of the parabola of safety.
Let P(x, y) be a point on trajectory then
x = (v
0
cos)t ______(ii)
y = (v
0
sin)t
1
2
gt
2
______(iii)
At t =
2a
V
ii becomes
x = (v
0
cos)
2a
V

= (v
0
cos)
2a
v
0
sin

x = 2acot ______(iv)

At t =
2a
V
iii becomes



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27
y = (v
0
sin)
2a
V

1
2
g
2a
V

2

= (v
0
sin)
2a
v
0
sin

1
2
g
2a
v
0
sin

2

= 2a
1
2
g
2a
2ga sin

2

= 2a a cosec
2
______(v)
Thus the coordinates of P are (2acot, 2a a cosec
2
)
Putting (iv) and (v) in (i), we get
2acot
2
= 4a2a a cosec
2
a
4a
2
cot
2
= 4aa acosec
2

a
2
cot
2
= a
2
cosec
2
1
a
2
cot
2
= a
2
cot
2

L.H.S = R.H.S
Thus P(x, y) lies on the parabola of safety. So at t = 2a/V this trajectory touches the parabola
of safety.
Differentiate (ii) & (iii) w.r.t t, we get
dx
dt
= v
0
cos and
dy
dt
= v
0
sin gt
Now
dy
dx
=
dy
dt

dx
dt

=
v
0
sin gt
v
0
cos

At t =
2a
V

dy
dx
=
v
0
sin g
2a
V
v
0
cos

=
Vv
0
sin 2ag
Vv
0
cos

=
v
0
sinv
0
sin 2ag
v
0
sinv
0
cos
V = v
0
sin
=
2gasin2gasin 2ag
2gasin2gacos
v
0
= 2ga



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28
=
2agsin
2
2ag
2agsincos

=
1 sin
2

sincos

=
cos
2

sincos

= cot
This is the slope of the tangent at t = 2a/V
Since
dy
dx
= tan
Where is inclination of the tangent at P(x, y). Then
tan = cot tan(90
0
+ )
= 90
0
+
Thus at t = 2a/V, its direction of motion is perpendicular to the direction of projection.
Range of a Projectile on Inclined Plane
Let a plane be inclined at an angle to the horizontal. Let a particle is projected from point O
with velocity v
0
by making an angle to the horizontal with < . Let the projectile meet
the inclined plane at a point P(x, y). Then OP = r is called the range of projectile on inclined
plane.
Then x = rcos and y = rsin
So P(x, y) = (rcos, rsin)

y



P(x, y)



v
0
r


rsin




x
O rcos

Equation of the trajectory is:
y = xtan
gx
2
2v
0
2
sec
2




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29
Since P lies on it therefore
rsin = rcostan
gr
2
cos
2

2v
0
2
sec
2

sin = costan
grcos
2

2v
0
2
cos
2

grcos
2

2v
0
2
cos
2

= costan sin

grcos
2

2v
0
2
cos
2

= cos
sin
cos
sin

grcos
2

2v
0
2
cos
2

=
sincos cossin
cos


grcos
2

2v
0
2
cos
= sin
r =
2v
0
2

gcos
2

cossin ____________(i)
Since sin( + ) sin( ) = 2cossin
Replacing by , we get
sin(2 ) sin() = 2cossin( ) ___________(ii)
From (i) and (ii), we get
r =
v
0
2

g
sin(2 ) sin
cos
2

Which is the range of a projectile on an inclined plane.
Range will maximum if sin(2 ) = 1
2 = sin
1
(1)
2 = + 90
0
=

2
+ 45
0
Thus,
r

=
v
0
2

g

1 sin
cos
2

=
v
0
2

g

1 sin
1 sin
2

=
v
0
2

g

1 sin
1 sin1 + sin
=
v
0
2
g1 + sin




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30
Question 17
A fort and a ship are both armed with guns which give their projectiles a muzzle velocity
2gk, and the guns in the fort are at a height h above the guns in the ship. If d
1
and d
2
are
the greatest horizontal ranges at which the fort and ship, respectively, can engage, prove
that
d
1
d
2
=

k + h
k h

Solution

F




r
h



v
0





x

S d
2
A

Let S be ship and F be fort. Let fort makes angle with x-axis. i.e. ASF = . Let SF = r
Since d
2
is greatest horizontal range for gun in the ship so r is the maximum range on inclined
plane with inclination . Then
r =
v
0
2
g1 + sin

Put v
0
= 2gk
r =
2gk
g1 + sin

2k r + rsin
From fig.
h = rsin
2k r + h
r 2k h
Also from fig.
r
2
= h
2
+ d
2
2




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31
2k h
2
= h
2
+ d
2
2

4k
2
+ h
2
4hk = h
2
+ d
2
2

d
2
2
4k
2
4hk 4kk h _______(i)
For a gun in fort, change h to h
d
1
2
4kk + h _______(ii)
From (i) and (ii), we get
d
1
2
d
2
2

4kk + h
4kk h


d
1
d
2

k + h
k h

Question 18
A shell of mass m
1
+ m
2
is fired with a velocity whose horizontal and vertical components
are u, v and at the highest point in its path the shell explodes into two fragments m
1
, m
2
.
The explosion produces additional kinetic energy E, and the fragments separate in a
horizontal direction. Show that they strike the ground at a distance apart which is equal to
V
g
2E
1
m
1

1
m
2

Solution
Let v
0
be the velocity of the projection. then by given conditions
u = v
0
cos _______(i)
v = v
0
sin ______(ii)
At the highest point, there is only horizontal velocity u. Let v
1
and v
2
be the velocities of m
1

and m
2
respectively at the time of explosion. Then by law of conservation of momentum.
m
1
v
1
+ m
2
v
2
= (m
1
+ m
2
)u
u =
m
1
v
1
+ m
2
v
2
m
1
+ m
2
_______(iii)
Now
Increase in K.E. = K.E. after explosion K.E. before explosion
E =
1
2
m
1
v
1
2
+
1
2
m
2
v
2
2

1
2
m
1
+ m
2
u
2

2E = m
1
v
1
2
+ m
2
v
2
2
m
1
+ m
2
u
2




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32
2E = m
1
v
1
2
+ m
2
v
2
2
m
1
+ m
2

m
1
v
1
+ m
2
v
2
m
1
+ m
2

2
By (iii)
2m
1
+ m
2
E = m
1
+ m
2
m
1
v
1
2
+ m
2
v
2
2
m
1
v
1
+ m
2
v
2

2

= m
1
2
v
1
2
+ m
1
m
2
v
2
2
+ m
2
m
1
v
1
2
+ m
2
2
v
2
2
m
1
2
v
1
2
m
2
2
v
2
2

2m
1
m
2
v
1
v
2

= m
1
m
2
v
2
2
+ m
2
m
1
v
1
2
2m
1
m
2
v
1
v
2

= m
1
m
2
v
2
2
+ v
1
2
2v
1
v
2

= m
1
m
2
v
2
v
1

v
2
v
1

2m
1
+ m
2
E
m
1
m
2

v
2
v
1
2E
1
m
1

1
m
2

Which is relative velocity of m
1
+ m
2
.
Now the time taken by pieces to touch the ground is given by:
Time =
1
2
(Time of flight)
=
1
2

2v
0
sin
g
=
v
0
sin
g

=
v
g
By (ii)
Distance Apart = (Relative velocity)(Time)
v
2
v
1

v
g

v
g
2E
1
m
1

1
m
2

Which is required.









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33

Question 19 (Speed of projectile)
Show that least speed with which a particle must be projected so that it passes through two
points P and Q at height h
P
and h
Q
respectively is:
gh
P
+ h
Q
+ PQ
Solution
y
M N Directrix







y =
v
0
2
2g


P

Q






h
P

S
h
Q





x
O L R

Let S be the focus.
From fig.
LM = LP + PM

v
0
2
2g
= h
P
+ PM _________(i)
RN = RQ + QN

v
0
2
2g
= h
Q
+ QN _________(ii)
Adding (i) and (ii), we get
v
0
2
g
= h
P
+ h
Q
+ PM + QN
v
0
2
= gh
P
+ h
Q
+ PM + QN
= gh
P
+ h
Q
+ PS + QS By focus-directrix property



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34
v
0
= gh
P
+ h
Q
+ PS + QS
v
0
is least when PS + QS is least, which is least when S lies on PQ. i.e. when
PS + QS = PQ
Hence
v
0

min
= gh
P
+ h
Q
+ PQ


%%%%% End of The Chapter # 7 %%%%%