Question

An aeroplane is flying at a constant horizontal velocity of 600 km/hr at an elevation of 6 km 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 at 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

Answer: (C)

On a parabolic path as seen by an observer on the ground near the target

Answer 2

The path of the ball appears parabolic to a observer near the target because it is at rest. But to a Pilot the path appears straight line because the horizontal velocity of aeroplane and the ball are equal, so the relative horizontal displacement is zero.