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AS Daily A Level Physics question

2026-06-15 OCR A Mechanics & Materials (M3) OCR-A Module 3: Forces and motion — 3.1.1 Kinematics (projectile components) OCR-A Module 3: Forces and motion — 3.1.2 Motion with constant acceleration (projectile motion: time of flight and range)

A football is kicked from level ground at 45° with initial speed u, giving a range R (air resistance negligible). On the next attempt, the same angle is used but the launch speed is increased by 20%. What happens to the range?

  1. A It increases by 20% to 1.20 R, since range is proportional to launch speed.
  2. B It increases by about 32% to 1.32 R, since only the vertical motion sets the flight time.
  3. C It increases by 44% to 1.44 R, since both horizontal speed and flight time scale with launch speed. (correct)
  4. D It is unchanged at R, since the launch angle is the same.

Answer

The correct answer is C.

Correct: C — It increases by 44% to 1.44 R, since both horizontal speed and flight time scale with launch speed. A assumes a linear relationship with speed; at fixed angle the range depends on the product of horizontal speed and flight time, each scaling with speed, so it is not just +20%. B underestimates the change by treating horizontal speed as unchanged or neglecting its increase; both components scale with speed, giving 1.2 × 1.2 = 1.44. C matches the square dependence at fixed angle: increasing speed by 20% multiplies the range by 1.2^2 = 1.44. D is incorrect because range depends on both angle and launch speed (specifically on the square of speed at fixed angle), not angle alone.

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