Question

If a projectile spends two seconds to reach its peak, how much total time does it spend in the air?

A) 4 seconds
B) 2 seconds
C) 1 second
D) 3 seconds

Answer 1

The total time a projectile spends in the air is 4 seconds if it takes 2 seconds to reach its peak, as ascent and descent times are equal in projectile motion without air resistance.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a projectile spends two seconds reaching its peak, the total time it spends in the air can be determined by recognizing that the ascent time is equal to the descent time. This is because, in the absence of air resistance, the upward journey to the peak takes as long as the downward journey back to the point of launch, due to the symmetry of projectile motion. Thus, if the projectile takes 2 seconds to reach its highest point, it will also take 2 seconds to return to the original height, making the correct answer A) 4 seconds.