A bomb is dropped by a fighter plane flying horizontally. To an observer sitting in the plane, the trajectory of the bomb is a:
- (A)hyperbola
- (B)parabola in the direction of motion of plane
- (C)straight line vertically down the plane✓ Correct
- (D)parabola in a direction opposite of the motion of plane
Answer: (C)
Solution
The bomb leaves the aircraft carrying the aircraft's horizontal velocity. After release gravity acts vertically, so the horizontal velocity of the bomb stays equal to that of the plane, which also flies horizontally at constant speed.
Relative to the plane the bomb therefore has zero horizontal velocity at every instant and only a steadily growing downward velocity. To the observer in the plane the bomb runs along a straight line vertically below the plane.
Relative to the plane the bomb therefore has zero horizontal velocity at every instant and only a steadily growing downward velocity. To the observer in the plane the bomb runs along a straight line vertically below the plane.
JEE Main · 2021 · 26 Aug 2021 · Shift 2 · Single correct option