NEET Question

Step-wise Solution

Want your doubt solved like this?
Submit your Doubt
Question:
A projectile is thrown at angles θ and (90 − θ) with horizontal with same speed of 20 ms⁻¹ from same point of projection. If difference between the individual heights attained by them is 5 m, then the individual heights are respectively (g = 10 ms⁻²)

(1) 7 m and 12 m
(2) 12.5 m and 7.5 m
(3) 8 m and 13 m
(4) 8.5 m and 13.5 m

Concept Flashcards

Projectile motion

MCQ challenge

25s

Problem Logical Approach

Step 1

Acceleration is uniform

The only uniform acceleration (equal change in velocity for every equal intervals of time) acting in the entire situation is ‘acceleration due to gravity.’  Hence, kinematic equations can be used to proceed further since height is involved in the question. 

Step 1
Step 2

Component of velocity at maximum height

Since time is not involved, by using the third equation, we can find the equation of the maximum height reached. For initial velocity and final velocity, we can consider only along the vertical axis since only the vertical component of velocity is required to reach the maximum height. At maximum height, the vertical component of velocity becomes zero. Hence, only the horizontal component of velocity will be the net velocity at maximum height. 

Step 2
Step 3

Finding the maximum height for two projectiles

From the formula derived by using the third kinematic equation, we can find two equations of maximum height for the two projectiles. Since the angles are complementary, there are two maximum height equations, one with the square of the sine function and the other with the square of the cosine function. 

Step 3
Step 4

Finding individual heights

There are two unknowns, such as H1 and H2. So, to find the values of 2 maximum heights, two different equations are required. In the expression of H1 and H2, substitute the value of the initial velocity and the g (acceleration due to gravity) value. To get two equations, one equation is already given in the problem (the difference in heights is 5 meters), and the other equation can be obtained by adding H1 and H2. Solving two equations algebraically, the values are found. 

Step 4

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Other problems on similar topic

© uKarpy 2025 | All rights reserved.

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Thank you for your response!