Question

The 12 Pounder Napoleon Model 1857 was the primary cannon used during the American Civil War. If the cannon had a muzzle velocity of 39 m/s and was fired at a 5.00° angle, what was the effective range of the cannon? (Neglect air resistance.)

A. 318.5 m
B. 325.2 m
C. 332.1 m
D. 340.3 m

Answer 1

The effective range of the 12 Pounder Napoleon Model 1857 can be calculated with the projectile motion formula, considering a 5.00° firing angle and 39 m/s muzzle velocity and assuming no air resistance.

Step-by-step explanation:

The 12 Pounder Napoleon Model 1857 with a muzzle velocity of 39 m/s fired at a 5.00° angle would have an effective range that can be calculated using the projectile motion equation for range (R), which is R = (v² × sin(2θ)) / g, where v is the muzzle velocity, θ is the angle of projection, and g is the acceleration due to gravity, assumed to be 9.81 m/s². Substituting the given values, the effective range R = (39² × sin(10°)) / 9.81, which can be calculated to find the correct option. Notably, air resistance is neglected for this calculation.