StemCET Logo

Physics Question 83 – AP-EAMCET 2026

Two bodies are projected from the same point at angles 15 and 45 with respect to the horizontal. If they attain the same horizontal range, the ratio of their initial velocities

The horizontal range of a projectile is determined by its initial velocity, the angle of projection, and the acceleration due to gravity.

Step 1: Recall the Horizontal Range Formula✦ Active

For a projectile launched with an initial velocity u at an angle θ with respect to the horizontal, the horizontal range R is given by the formula:

R=u2sin(2θ)g

where g is the acceleration due to gravity.

💡 Teacher's Secret Hint

Ensure you use the angle 2θ in the sine function, not just θ.

Step 2: Set Up Equations for Both Bodies○ Expand

Let u1 and θ1 be the initial velocity and angle for the first body, and u2 and θ2 for the second body. We are given:

θ1=15

θ2=45

The problem states that they attain the same horizontal range, so R1=R2. Thus, we can write:

u12sin(2θ1)g=u22sin(2θ2)g
💡 Teacher's Secret Hint

Always clearly define your variables before starting calculations to avoid confusion.

Step 3: Substitute Values and Simplify○ Expand

We can cancel g from both sides and substitute the given angles:

u12sin(2×15)=u22sin(2×45)

This simplifies to:

u12sin(30)=u22sin(90)

Recall the values for sin(30)=12 and sin(90)=1. Substitute these values:

u12(12)=u22(1)
💡 Teacher's Secret Hint

Remember common trigonometric values. If you forget, you can quickly sketch a 306090 or 454590 triangle.

Step 4: Calculate the Ratio of Initial Velocities○ Expand

Rearrange the equation to find the ratio u1u2:

u12u22=11/2=2

Taking the square root of both sides:

u1u2=2

Therefore, the ratio of their initial velocities is 2:1.

💡 Teacher's Secret Hint

Always ensure you're solving for the correct ratio (e.g., u1:u2 vs u2:u1) as requested in the question.

✦ STEM Console utilizes AI models to generate step-by-step explanations and math clues. AI can make mistakes.