A projectile is launched from the ground at a speed of 40ms^-1 at an angle of 30 degrees to the horizontal, where does it land? What is the highest point the projectile reaches?

Since the SUVAT equations of motion act independently in the horizontal and vertical directions we can use the vertical equations to find the total time (the time when total vertical displacement is zero) and then calculate how far the partical has moved horizontally in that time.

Vertical:

s=ut+1/2at^2 ------> 0 = 40sin(30) t -0.59.8t^2----> t=4.08s

Horizontal:

s=ut+0.5at^2 -------> x=40cos(30)*4.08  [no horizontal acceleration] =141.3m

To find the apex of the flight, we use a second SUVAT equation, noting that the instantaneous velocity at the maximum is entirely horizontal.

Vertically:

v^2=u^2+2aS------>0=(40sin(30))^2-29.8H------------->H=400/19.6=20.4m

BL
Answered by Ben L. Physics tutor

3720 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

A cannon can fire a cannonball at 20m/s. A sandpit is placed at a distance of 40m away. At what angle should the cannon be fired in order for the cannonball to land in the sand.


The radius of the Earth is 6,400km and has a mass of 6x10^24kg. Calculate the minimum velocity needed by a projectile, fired from the surface of the Earth in order to escape the Earths gravity.


A roller coaster has a loop, r = 20m, how fast should it travel so that riders don't fall out?


Explain how an acceleration-displacement graph could be used to determine the frequency of oscillation of a metal plate.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning