Physlet Illustration: The Range of a Projectile

 

 

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A cannon ball is fired from the ground at an initial velocity of 20 m/s.  You control the angle (between 5° and 85°) at which it is launched.  How does the range depend upon the angle?  In the absence of air resistance, what angle gives the maximum range?   

Hints

  1. Measure the range for several angles less than 50°.
  2. Measure the range for an angle less than 45° and one greater than 45°.
  3. Try one at 45°.
  4. Can you hit the red X?

Reference

See Walker, Section 4-5

Illustration written by Chuck Niederriter