Question

An aeroplane is flying at a constant horizontal velocity of $600km/hr$ at an elevation of $6km$ towards a point directly above the target on the earth's surface. At an appropriate time, the pilot releases a ball so that it strikes the target on the earth. The ball will appear to be falling

• A. on a parabolic path as seen by pilot in the plane
• B. vertically along a straight path as seen by an observer on the ground near the target
• C. on a parabolic path as seen by an observer on the ground near the target
• D. on a zig-zag path as seen by pilot in the plane

Answer 1

The correct option is C on a parabolic path as seen by an observer on the ground near the target

The path of the ball appears parabolic to an observer near the target because it is at rest. But, to a pilot the path will appears as a straight line because the horizontal velocity of aeroplane and the ball are equal, so the relative horizontal displacement is zero with respect to aeroplane. Since the horizontal compnent of the ball and aeroplane is same, so the obsever at ground will see the ball faliing in projectile motion.