⚛️ Physics · Motion in a Plane · NEET & JEE

Minimum speed during projectile motion at angle θ (initial speed u) is:

Answer: u·cosθ.

A u
B u·sinθ
C u·cosθ
D u/2

Correct answer: C. u·cosθ

Explanation: Minimum speed occurs at maximum height, where vy=0. Speed = vx = u·cosθ (constant horizontal component).

Projectile trajectories launched at 15, 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90 degrees at the same speed, each annotated with range R, maximum height H and time of flight T, with coloured dots marking equal time intervals

Projectiles at equal speed: range is maximum at 45°, and complementary angles (30° and 60°) share the same range. Image: Cmglee, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Concept context

Vectors, projectile motion, uniform circular motion, and relative velocity - the foundation of 2D kinematics for NEET and JEE.

Read the full Motion in a Plane notes →

Minimum speed during projectile motion at angle θ (initial speed u) is:

Concept context

More Motion in a Plane questions