At what angle should a ball be thrown from the horizontal so that it can cover the maximum horizontal distance?
The ball should be thrown at a 45° angle from the horizontal to cover the maximum horizontal distance. At this angle, the horizontal and vertical components of the initial velocity are equal, maximizing the projectile’s range.
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To cover the maximum horizontal distance, a ball should be thrown at a 45° angle from the horizontal; option [D]. At this angle, the horizontal and vertical components of the initial velocity are equal, leading to the greatest range for a projectile launched with the same initial speed. Therefore, the correct option is [D] 45°. This principle is derived from the equations of projectile motion and is applicable in various contexts, from sports like basketball and javelin throwing to engineering applications such as projectile motion calculations. Understanding the optimal launch angle for maximum range is essential for achieving desired distances in projectile motion scenarios, making it a fundamental concept in physics and practical applications. Thus, launching the ball at a 45° angle ensures it travels the farthest horizontally compared to other angles listed.