Question

Which launch angle causes the ball to travel further horizontally before hitting the ground when Liang hits a tennis ball with the same total speed while making angles of 45∘ and 60∘ with the horizontal?

A) The launch angle of 45∘
B) The launch angle of 60∘
C) Both launch angles result in the same horizontal distance.
D) It cannot be determined without knowing the initial speed of the ball.

Answer 1

The tennis ball hit at a 45° angle will travel further horizontally compared to the one hit at 60°, assuming the initial speed is the same for both shots.

Step-by-step explanation:

The ball will travel further horizontally when launched at an angle of 45° compared to an angle of 60° if the initial speed is the same for both angles. This is confirmed by the concept in physics that the optimum angle for maximum range, assuming no air resistance, is 45°. However, if the launch angles add to 90°, and the speeds are the same, then the ranges will also be the same. Since the angles in the question, 45° and 60°, do not add up to 90°, and the initial speeds are equal, the 45° launch will result in a greater horizontal distance.