Projectiles

Edexcel

AQA

OCR A

OCR MEI

June 2025 Paper 3 Mechanics Q5

EdexcelCurrent spec8 marksProjectiles

5.

Figure 3: stone projected at 14 m/s at angle theta above the horizontal from O at the top of a cliff of height H m above N; it lands at A on the horizontal ground with NA = 40 m
Figure 3

A small stone is projected with speed \(14\ \text{m s}^{-1}\) from a point \(O\) on the top of a cliff.
The point \(O\) is \(H\) metres vertically above the point \(N\).

Point \(N\) is on horizontal ground.

The stone is projected at an angle \(\theta\) above the horizontal, where \(\tan\theta = \dfrac{1}{2}\)

The stone strikes the horizontal ground at the point \(A\), where \(NA = 40\) m, as shown in Figure 3.

The stone is modelled as a particle moving freely under gravity.

Using this model, find

(a) the value of \(H\) (5)
(b) the maximum height of the stone above the horizontal ground. (3)

June 2024 Paper 3 Mechanics Q5

EdexcelCurrent spec12 marksProjectiles

5.

Figure 4: stone projected from O at 35 m/s at angle alpha above the horizontal ground, following a parabolic path that lands at A
Figure 4

At time \(t = 0\), a small stone is projected with velocity \(35\ \text{m s}^{-1}\) from a point \(O\) on horizontal ground.

The stone is projected at an angle \(\alpha\) to the horizontal, where \(\tan\alpha = \dfrac{3}{4}\)

In an initial model

  • the stone is modelled as a particle \(P\) moving freely under gravity
  • the stone hits the ground at the point \(A\)

Figure 4 shows the path of \(P\) from \(O\) to \(A\).

For the motion of \(P\) from \(O\) to \(A\)

  • at time \(t\) seconds, the horizontal distance of \(P\) from \(O\) is \(x\) metres
  • at time \(t\) seconds, the vertical distance of \(P\) above the ground is \(y\) metres
(a) Using the model, show that\[y = \frac{3}{4}x - \frac{1}{160}x^2\] (6)
(b) Use the answer to (a), or otherwise, to find the length \(OA\). (2)

Using the model, the greatest height of the stone above the ground is found to be \(H\) metres.

(c) Use the answer to (a), or otherwise, to find the value of \(H\). (2)
  • The model is refined to include air resistance.

Using this new model, the greatest height of the stone above the ground is found to be \(K\) metres.

(d) State which is greater, \(H\) or \(K\), justifying your answer. (1)
(e) State one limitation of this refined model. (1)

June 2023 Paper 3 Mechanics Q5

EdexcelCurrent spec11 marksProjectiles

5.

Figure 2: ball projected from O at 28 m/s at angle alpha to horizontal ground, passing through A, which is 40 m horizontally and 20 m vertically from O
Figure 2

A small ball is projected with speed \(28\ \text{m s}^{-1}\) from a point \(O\) on horizontal ground.

After moving for \(T\) seconds, the ball passes through the point \(A\).

The point \(A\) is 40 m horizontally and 20 m vertically from the point \(O\), as shown in Figure 2.

The motion of the ball from \(O\) to \(A\) is modelled as that of a particle moving freely under gravity.

Given that the ball is projected at an angle \(\alpha\) to the ground, use the model to

(a) show that \(T = \dfrac{10}{7\cos\alpha}\) (2)
(b) show that \(\tan^2\alpha - 4\tan\alpha + 3 = 0\) (5)
(c) find the greatest possible height, in metres, of the ball above the ground as the ball moves from \(O\) to \(A\). (3)

The model does not include air resistance.

(d) State one other limitation of the model. (1)

June 2022 Paper 3 Mechanics Q5

EdexcelCurrent spec12 marksProjectiles

5.

Figure 3: golf ball projected from A at angle alpha to horizontal ground, landing at B, where AB = 120 m
Figure 3

A golf ball is at rest at the point \(A\) on horizontal ground.

The ball is hit and initially moves at an angle \(\alpha\) to the ground.

The ball first hits the ground at the point \(B\), where \(AB = 120\) m, as shown in Figure 3.

The motion of the ball is modelled as that of a particle, moving freely under gravity, whose initial speed is \(U\ \text{m s}^{-1}\)

Using this model,

(a) show that \(U^2\sin\alpha\cos\alpha = 588\) (6)

The ball reaches a maximum height of 10 m above the ground.

(b) Show that \(U^2 = 1960\) (4)

In a refinement to the model, the effect of air resistance is included.

The motion of the ball, from \(A\) to \(B\), is now modelled as that of a particle whose initial speed is \(V\ \text{m s}^{-1}\)

This refined model is used to calculate a value for \(V\)

(c) State which is greater, \(U\) or \(V\), giving a reason for your answer. (1)
(d) State one further refinement to the model that would make the model more realistic. (1)

October 2021 Paper 3 Mechanics Q4

EdexcelCurrent spec10 marksProjectiles

4.

Figure 3: stone projected from O at the top of a vertical cliff 70 m above N, with speed 65 m/s at angle alpha above the horizontal, landing at A on the horizontal ground
Figure 3

A small stone is projected with speed \(65\ \text{m s}^{-1}\) from a point \(O\) at the top of a vertical cliff.

Point \(O\) is 70 m vertically above the point \(N\).

Point \(N\) is on horizontal ground.

The stone is projected at an angle \(\alpha\) above the horizontal, where \(\tan\alpha = \dfrac{5}{12}\)

The stone hits the ground at the point \(A\), as shown in Figure 3.

The stone is modelled as a particle moving freely under gravity.

The acceleration due to gravity is modelled as having magnitude \(\textbf{10 m s}^{\mathbf{-2}}\)

Using the model,

(a) find the time taken for the stone to travel from \(O\) to \(A\), (4)
(b) find the speed of the stone at the instant just before it hits the ground at \(A\). (5)

One limitation of the model is that it ignores air resistance.

(c) State one other limitation of the model that could affect the reliability of your answers. (1)

October 2020 Paper 3 Mechanics Q5

EdexcelCurrent spec11 marksProjectiles

5.

Figure 2: ball projected from O at the top of a vertical cliff 25 m above N, with speed U m/s at 45 degrees above the horizontal, landing at A on horizontal ground 100 m from N
Figure 2

A small ball is projected with speed \(U\ \text{m s}^{-1}\) from a point \(O\) at the top of a vertical cliff.

The point \(O\) is 25 m vertically above the point \(N\) which is on horizontal ground.

The ball is projected at an angle of \(45^\circ\) above the horizontal.

The ball hits the ground at a point \(A\), where \(AN = 100\) m, as shown in Figure 2.

The motion of the ball is modelled as that of a particle moving freely under gravity.

Using this initial model,

(a) show that \(U = 28\) (6)
(b) find the greatest height of the ball above the horizontal ground \(NA\). (3)

In a refinement to the model of the motion of the ball from \(O\) to \(A\), the effect of air resistance is included.

This refined model is used to find a new value of \(U\).

(c) How would this new value of \(U\) compare with 28, the value given in part (a)? (1)
(d) State one further refinement to the model that would make the model more realistic. (1)

June 2019 Paper 3 Mechanics Q5

EdexcelCurrent spec13 marksProjectiles

5.

Figure 3: points A and B 50 m apart on horizontal ground; ball P projected from A at 20 m/s at 30 degrees to AB, ball Q projected from B at u m/s at angle theta to BA
Figure 3

The points \(A\) and \(B\) lie 50 m apart on horizontal ground.

At time \(t = 0\) two small balls, \(P\) and \(Q\), are projected in the vertical plane containing \(AB\).

Ball \(P\) is projected from \(A\) with speed \(20\ \text{m s}^{-1}\) at \(30^\circ\) to \(AB\).

Ball \(Q\) is projected from \(B\) with speed \(u\ \text{m s}^{-1}\) at angle \(\theta\) to \(BA\), as shown in Figure 3.

At time \(t = 2\) seconds, \(P\) and \(Q\) collide.

Until they collide, the balls are modelled as particles moving freely under gravity.

(a) Find the velocity of \(P\) at the instant before it collides with \(Q\). (6)
(b) Find
(i) the size of angle \(\theta\),
(ii) the value of \(u\). (6)
(c) State one limitation of the model, other than air resistance, that could affect the accuracy of your answers. (1)

June 2025 Paper 2 Q14

AQACurrent spec4 marksProjectiles

14 In this question use \(g = 9.8\ \text{m s}^{-2}\)

An arrow is projected from a point \(P\) which is at a height of 2.5 metres above the horizontal ground.

The arrow has an initial velocity of \(\begin{bmatrix}40\\25\end{bmatrix}\ \text{m s}^{-1}\)

The arrow lands on the horizontal ground at a point \(Q\)

The path of the arrow is shown in the diagram.

The arrow is projected from P, 2.5 m above horizontal ground, with velocity (40, 25) m/s, follows a parabolic path and lands at Q on the ground

Find the speed of the arrow at point \(Q\) [4 marks]

June 2024 Paper 2 Q19

AQACurrent spec8 marksProjectilesSUVAT

19 In this question use \(g = 9.8\) m s−2

A toy shoots balls upwards with an initial velocity of 7 m s−1

The advertisement for this toy claims the balls can reach a maximum height of 2.5 metres from the ground.

(a) Suppose that the toy shoots the balls vertically upwards.
(i) Verify the claim in the advertisement. [2 marks]
(ii) State two modelling assumptions you have made in verifying this claim. [2 marks]
(b) In fact the toy shoots the balls anywhere between 0 and 11 degrees from the vertical.

The range of maximum heights, \(h\) metres, above the ground which can be reached by the balls may be expressed as

\[k \lt h \leqslant 2.5\]

Find the value of \(k\) [4 marks]

June 2023 Paper 2 Q20

AQACurrent spec7 marksProjectilesSUVAT

20 In this question use \(g = 9.8\) m s−2

Nell and her pet dog Maia are visiting the beach.

The beach surface can be assumed to be level and horizontal.

Nell and Maia are initially standing next to each other.

Nell throws a ball forward, from a height of 1.8 metres above the surface of the beach, at an angle of 60° above the horizontal with a speed of 14 m s−1

Exactly 0.2 seconds after the ball is thrown, Maia sets off from Nell and runs across the surface of the beach, in a straight line with a constant acceleration \(a\) m s−2

Maia catches the ball when it is 0.3 metres above ground level as shown in the diagram below.

Nell throws a ball from 1.8 m above the beach at 14 m s^−1 at 60° above the horizontal; the ball follows a curved path and is caught by the dog Maia 0.3 m above the ground

Find \(a\) [7 marks]

June 2022 Paper 2 Q13

AQACurrent spec6 marksProjectiles

13 In this question use \(g\) = 9.8 m s−2

A ball is projected from a point on horizontal ground with an initial velocity of 7 m s−1 at an angle \(\theta\) above the horizontal.

The ball reaches a maximum vertical height of \(h\) metres above the ground.

(a) Show that\[h = 2.5\sin^2\theta\] [3 marks]
(b) Hence, given that \(0^\circ \leqslant \theta \leqslant 60^\circ\), find the maximum value of \(h\). [2 marks]
(c) Nisha claims that the larger the size of the ball, the greater the maximum vertical height will be.

State whether Nisha is correct, giving a reason for your answer. [1 mark]

June 2025 Paper 3 Q11

OCR ACurrent spec14 marksProjectiles

11 In this question you should take the acceleration due to gravity to be 10 m s−2.

The unit vectors \(\mathbf{i}\) and \(\mathbf{j}\) are in a vertical plane with \(\mathbf{i}\) horizontal and \(\mathbf{j}\) vertically upwards.

A small ball \(P\) is projected from a point \(O\) on horizontal ground into the air. When \(P\) is in the air, it is to be modelled as a particle moving under the influence of gravity only.

At time \(t = 2\) seconds, \(P\) has velocity \((2\mathbf{i} - 8\mathbf{j})\) m s−1.
The position vector of a point on the trajectory of \(P\) is \((x\mathbf{i} + y\mathbf{j})\) m relative to \(O\).

(a) Show that \(y = 6x - 1.25x^2\). [5]
(b) Determine the maximum height of \(P\) above the ground during its motion. [3]
(c) Determine the following as \(P\) passes through the point on its trajectory where \(x = 2.5\).
  • the speed of \(P\)
  • the direction of motion of \(P\) [5]

In reality \(P\) does not move only under the influence of gravity but is also subject to air resistance.

(d) Explain how this would affect your answer to part (b). [1]

June 2024 Paper 3 Q13

OCR ACurrent spec12 marksProjectilesResolving Forces

13

A particle at A at the bottom of a slope inclined at angle theta to horizontal ground, projected up the slope at 6 m s to the minus 1; the slope AB has length 1.375 m; a dashed curved path leaves B and lands at C on the ground

The points \(A\) and \(B\) are the lower and upper ends, respectively, of a line of greatest slope on a plane inclined at an angle \(\theta\) to the horizontal, where \(\sin\theta = 0.6\) and \(AB = 1.375\) m (see diagram).

A particle \(P\) is projected up the plane with speed \(6\,\mathrm{m\,s^{-1}}\) from \(A\) towards \(B\).

The plane at \(A\) is fixed to the ground which is horizontal.

The surface of the plane is rough and the coefficient of friction between \(P\) and the plane is 0.25.

(a) Show that the speed of \(P\) at \(B\) is \(3.8\,\mathrm{m\,s^{-1}}\). [6]

The particle leaves the slope at \(B\) and moves freely under gravity.

The particle first lands at a point \(C\) on the horizontal ground. The time taken for \(P\) to travel from \(A\) to \(C\) is \(T\) seconds.

(b) Determine the value of \(T\). [6]

June 2023 Paper 3 Q12

12 In this question you should take the acceleration due to gravity to be \(10\,\mathrm{m\,s^{-2}}\).

A ball is projected from point A, 20 m vertically above point B on horizontal ground, with speed 39 m s^-1 at angle theta above the horizontal; its path curves up and then down to land at point C on the ground

A small ball \(P\) is projected from a point \(A\) with speed \(39\,\mathrm{m\,s^{-1}}\) at an angle of elevation \(\theta\), where \(\sin\theta = \frac{5}{13}\) and \(\cos\theta = \frac{12}{13}\). Point \(A\) is \(20\,\mathrm{m}\) vertically above a point \(B\) on horizontal ground. The ball first lands at a point \(C\) on the horizontal ground (see diagram).

The ball \(P\) is modelled as a particle moving freely under gravity.

(a) Find the maximum height of \(P\) above the ground during its motion. [3]

The time taken for \(P\) to travel from \(A\) to \(C\) is \(T\) seconds.

(b) Determine the value of \(T\). [3]
(c) State one limitation of the model, other than air resistance or the wind, that could affect the answer to part (b). [1]

At the instant that \(P\) is projected, a second small ball \(Q\) is released from rest at \(B\) and moves towards \(C\) along the horizontal ground.

At time \(t\) seconds, where \(t \geqslant 0\), the velocity \(v\,\mathrm{m\,s^{-1}}\) of \(Q\) is given by

\(v = kt^3 + 6t^2 + \frac{3}{2}t,\)

where \(k\) is a positive constant.

(d) Given that \(P\) and \(Q\) collide at \(C\), determine the acceleration of \(Q\) immediately before this collision. [6]

June 2022 Paper 3 Q13

OCR ACurrent spec14 marksProjectiles

13 A small ball \(B\) moves in the plane of a fixed horizontal axis \(Ox\), which lies on horizontal ground, and a fixed vertically upwards axis \(Oy\). \(B\) is projected from \(O\) with a velocity whose components along \(Ox\) and \(Oy\) are \(U\,\mathrm{m\,s^{-1}}\) and \(V\,\mathrm{m\,s^{-1}}\), respectively. The units of \(x\) and \(y\) are metres.

\(B\) is modelled as a particle moving freely under gravity.

(a) Show that the path of \(B\) has equation \(2U^2y = 2UVx - gx^2\). [3]

During its motion, \(B\) just clears a vertical wall of height \(\frac{1}{2}a\) m at a horizontal distance \(a\) m from \(O\). \(B\) strikes the ground at a horizontal distance \(3a\) m beyond the wall.

(b) Determine the angle of projection of \(B\). Give your answer in degrees correct to 3 significant figures. [5]
(c) Given that the speed of projection of \(B\) is \(54.6\,\mathrm{m\,s^{-1}}\), determine the value of \(a\). [2]
(d) Hence find the maximum height of \(B\) above the ground during its motion. [3]
(e) State one refinement of the model, other than including air resistance, that would make it more realistic. [1]

October 2021 Paper 3 Q11

OCR ACurrent spec10 marksProjectiles

11

A ball is projected from point A on level ground with speed 25 m/s at 15 degrees above the horizontal; the ground slopes down beyond A to a lower level, and the ball's path lands at B, which is 4 m below the level of A

A golfer hits a ball from a point \(A\) with a speed of \(25\,\mathrm{m\,s^{-1}}\) at an angle of \(15^\circ\) above the horizontal. While the ball is in the air, it is modelled as a particle moving under the influence of gravity. Take the acceleration due to gravity to be \(10\,\mathrm{m\,s^{-2}}\).

The ball first lands at a point \(B\) which is \(4\,\mathrm{m}\) below the level of \(A\) (see diagram).

(a) Determine the time taken for the ball to travel from \(A\) to \(B\). [3]
(b) Determine the horizontal distance of \(B\) from \(A\). [2]
(c) Determine the direction of motion of the ball 1.5 seconds after the golfer hits the ball. [4]

The horizontal distance from \(A\) to \(B\) is found to be greater than the answer to part (b).

(d) State one factor that could account for this difference. [1]

June 2025 Paper 1 Q12

OCR MEICurrent spec8 marksProjectilesSUVAT

12 In this question \(x\) and \(y\) are the horizontal and upwards vertical directions respectively.

An astronaut is standing on the surface of the moon exploring the motion of a ball.

(a) The astronaut drops a ball from rest from 1 m above the surface. It takes 1.1 s to hit the surface.

Calculate the value of the acceleration due to the moon’s gravity. Give your answer correct to 3 significant figures. [2]

The astronaut stands in a crater of the moon and hits the ball with a golf club from the moon’s surface. The initial velocity of the ball is \(25\,\mathrm{m\,s^{-1}}\) at an angle of \(40^\circ\) above the horizontal in the \(x\)-direction.

(b) Taking the origin to be the point of projection, determine the equation of the trajectory of the ball. Give your answer in the form \(y = \mathrm{f}(x)\), with each of the coefficients correct to 3 significant figures. [4]
(c) The edge of the crater is 40 m away from the point of projection and 15 m above it.

Determine whether the ball goes over the crater’s edge. [2]

June 2024 Paper 1 Q14

OCR MEICurrent spec7 marksProjectiles

14 A man runs at a constant speed of \(4\ \text{m s}^{-1}\) along a straight horizontal road. A woman is standing on a bridge that spans the road. At the instant that the man passes directly below the woman she throws a ball with initial speed \(u\ \text{m s}^{-1}\) at \(\alpha^\circ\) above the horizontal. The path of the ball is directly above the road. The man catches the ball 2.4 s after it is thrown. At the instant the man catches it, the ball is 3.6 m below the level of the point of projection.

(a) Explain what it means that the ball is modelled as a particle. [1]
(b) Find the vertical component of the ball’s initial velocity. [2]
(c) Find each of the following.
  • The value of \(u\)
  • The value of \(\alpha\)
[4]

June 2023 Paper 1 Q15

OCR MEICurrent spec8 marksProjectiles

15 A projectile is launched from a point on level ground with an initial velocity \(u\) at an angle \(\theta\) above the horizontal.

(a) Show that the range of the projectile is given by \(\dfrac{2u^2\sin\theta\cos\theta}{g}\). [3]
(b) Determine the set of values of \(\theta\) for which the maximum height of the projectile is greater than the range, where \(\theta\) is an acute angle. Give your answer in degrees. [5]

June 2022 Paper 1 Q7

OCR MEICurrent spec6 marksProjectilesVectors

7 In this question the \(x\)- and \(y\)-directions are horizontal and vertically upwards respectively and the origin is on horizontal ground.

A ball is thrown from a point 5 m above the origin with an initial velocity \(\begin{pmatrix}14\\7\end{pmatrix}\mathrm{m\,s^{-1}}\).

(a) Find the position vector of the ball at time \(t\) s after it is thrown. [3]
(b) Find the distance between the origin and the point at which the ball lands on the ground. [3]

October 2021 Paper 1 Q10

OCR MEICurrent spec11 marksProjectilesSUVAT

10 A ball is thrown upwards with a velocity of \(29.4\,\text{m}\,\text{s}^{-1}\).

(a) Show that the ball reaches its maximum height after 3 s. [1]
(b) Sketch a velocity-time graph for the first 5 s of motion. [2]

Axes printed in the Printed Answer Booklet for part (b):

Blank axes: v (m s⁻¹) vertically, extending above and below the t-axis, and t (s) horizontally marked 0 to 5
(c) Calculate the speed of the ball 5 s after it is thrown. [3]

A second ball is thrown at \(u\,\text{m}\,\text{s}^{-1}\) at an angle of \(\alpha^\circ\) above the horizontal. It reaches the same maximum height as the first ball.

(d) Use this information to write down
  • the vertical component of the second ball’s initial velocity,
  • the time taken for the second ball to reach its greatest height.
[2]

This second ball reaches its greatest height at a point which is 48 m horizontally from the point of projection.

(e) Calculate the values of \(u\) and \(\alpha\). [3]

October 2020 Paper 1 Q13

OCR MEICurrent spec11 marksProjectiles

13 A projectile is fired from ground level at \(35\,\mathrm{m\,s^{-1}}\) at an angle of \(\theta^\circ\) above the horizontal.

(a) State a modelling assumption that is used in the standard projectile model. [1]
(b) Find the cartesian equation of the trajectory of the projectile. [4]

The projectile travels above horizontal ground towards a wall that is 110 m away from the point of projection and 5 m high. The projectile reaches a maximum height of 22.5 m.

(c) Determine whether the projectile hits the wall. [6]