Final answer:
The optimal launch angle to maximize the range of a projectile on level ground is 45 degrees, balancing both the vertical and horizontal velocity components for maximum distance.
Step-by-step explanation:
The subject of the student's question relates to projectile motion in physics, specifically the optimal angle for maximum range when launching a projectile on level ground. In this context, the optimum angle for maximum distance is 45 degrees. This is because a 45-degree launch angle provides the perfect balance between vertical and horizontal components of the initial velocity, resulting in the greatest range. On the other hand, a launch angle of 90 degrees would give a range of zero as the projectile would simply go straight up and down. So, when asked what angle maximizes the range of a projectile on level ground, option (b) 45 degrees is the correct answer. Furthermore, for nonintersecting runway departures in air traffic control, runways must diverge by a specific angle to authorize simultaneous takeoffs. However, that information is not part of the physics question at hand concerning projectile motion and launch angles.