Question

Identical guns fire identical bullets horizontally at the same speed from the same height above level planes, one on the Earth and one on the Moon. Which of the following three statements is/are true?

I. The horizontal distance traveled by the bullet is greater for the Moon.
II. The flight time is less for the bullet on the Earth.
III. The velocities of the bullets at impact are the same.

Answer 1

I. The horizontal distance traveled by the bullet is greater for the Moon.

II. The flight time is less for the bullet on the Earth.

Step-by-step explanation:

Bullets follow a projectile motion behavior, so they behave as uniform rectilinear motion in the horizontal axis and, they behave as free-fall motion in the vertical axis.

The bullets fall due to gravity. Since gravity is greater on Earth, bullets will fall faster, therefore flight time on Earth will be less. If flight time is less, bullets will have less time to travel horizontally before they fall so, the horizontal distance traveled will be less on Earth.

Answer 2

I. The horizontal distance traveled by the bullet is greater for the Moon.

II. The flight time is less for the bullet on the Earth.

Step-by-step explanation:

Horizontal distance depends on the initial speed, height and gravity. Bullets have the same initial speed and are shot from the same height. In these conditions horizontal distance only depends on gravity, which is inversely proportional. Therefore, the less gravity the greater the horizontal distance. Gravity slows bullet and causes its impact on the ground. Since gravity is greater in Earth, the bullet hits faster on the earth.