At what angle to the horizontal must the nozzle of a machine gun be kept when firing to obtain maximum horizontal range of the bullets?
A
0.0º.
B
30.0º.
C
45.0º
D
22.5º
Verified Correct Answer: C.
Step-by-Step Mathematical Solution
In a vacuum (where air resistance is ignored), the maximum horizontal range is achieved at an angle of 45º.
From R = \(\frac{u^2sin2\theta}{\text{g}}\)
R\(_{max}\) = \(\frac{u^2sin2(45)}{\text{g}}\) = \(\frac{u^2}{\text{g}}\)
\(\therefore\) \(\theta\) = 45º
Source: WAEC / JAMB / NECO Classroom Archive (Record #76334)