Two projectiles are fired from ground level at equal speeds but different angles. One is fired at an angle of 30 degrees and the other at 60 degrees. The projectile to hit the ground first will be the one
Fired at (neglect air resistance)
A) 30 degrees.
B) 60 degrees.
C) Both hit at the same time.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The time of flight for a projectile launched at an angle $\theta$ with initial velocity $v$ is given by $T = \frac{2v\sin\theta}{g}$, where $g$ is the acceleration due to gravity. Since the sine function reaches its maximum at 90 degrees, both 30 degrees and 60 degrees yield values less than 1, but $\sin(30^\circ)$ is less than $\sin(60^\circ)$. This means the projectile fired at 30 degrees will have a shorter time of flight and hit the ground first, assuming equal initial speeds and neglecting air resistance.

Two Projectiles Are Fired from Ground Level at Equal Speeds