A projectile launched at angle theta has its maximum range when theta equals

  • A. 30 degrees
  • B. 45 degrees
  • C. 60 degrees
  • D. 90 degrees

Explanation

Range is proportional to sin 2 theta, which is maximum when 2 theta is 90 degrees, that is at 45 degrees, assuming level ground and no air resistance. Angles of 30 and 60 degrees give the same range as each other, since their doubles are supplementary. At 90 degrees the projectile goes straight up and the range is zero.

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