Final answer:
The maximum height of a projectile depends on the launch angle and the vertical component of the initial velocity. It is the highest vertical position reached during flight and is not constant across all projectiles.The correct option is A.
Step-by-step explanation:
When considering projectile motion, the maximum height of a projectile is a key concept. Here are the answers to the student's multiple choice question:
- (a) The maximum height depends on the launch angle. - TRUE. The maximum height is indeed affected by the launch angle, with different angles yielding different heights.
- (b) The maximum height is reached at the midpoint of the projectile's journey. - This could be true only in specific circumstances where the projectile is launched and lands at the same elevation and at an angle of 45 degrees without air resistance.
- (c) The maximum height is achieved when the projectile reaches its highest vertical position. - TRUE. This is the definition of maximum height in projectile motion.
- (d) The maximum height is constant for all projectiles - FALSE. The maximum height varies based on factors like initial velocity, launch angle, and acceleration due to gravity.
The maximum height a projectile can reach is solely determined by the vertical component of the initial velocity of the projectile.
The range of a projectile, or the horizontal distance it travels, is maximized at a launch angle of 45 degrees, assuming there is no air resistance. However, if air resistance is taken into consideration, the optimal angle is somewhat less than 45 degrees. Also, it's interesting to note that two different launch angles that sum to 90 degrees will result in the same range.
Overall, the maximum height and range of a projectile are contingent upon various factors, including the initial velocity, launch angle, and gravitational acceleration.