The ideal launch angle of 45° for achieving the greatest horizontal distance is only applicable when the starting height matches the final height.
<span>In this scenario, you can demonstrate it as follows: </span>
<span>the initial velocity is Vo </span>
<span>the launch angle is α </span>
<span>the initial vertical velocity is </span>
<span>Vv = Vo×sin(α) </span>
<span>horizontal velocity becomes </span>
<span>Vh = Vo×cos(α) </span>
<span>the total flight duration is the period required to return to a height of 0 m, thus </span>
<span>d = v×t + a×t²/2 </span>
<span>where </span>
<span>d = distance = 0 m </span>
<span>v = initial vertical velocity = Vv = Vo×sin(α) </span>
<span>t = time =? </span>
<span>a = gravitational acceleration = g (= -9.8 m/s²) </span>
<span>therefore </span>
<span>0 = Vo×sin(α)×t + g×t²/2 </span>
<span>0 = (Vo×sin(α) + g×t/2)×t </span>
<span>t = 0 (obviously, the projectile is at height 0 m at time = 0s) </span>
<span>or </span>
<span>Vo×sin(α) + g×t/2 = 0 </span>
<span>t = -2×Vo×sin(α)/g </span>
<span>Now let's examine the horizontal distance. </span>
<span>r = v × t </span>
<span>where </span>
<span>r = horizontal range =? </span>
<span>v = horizontal velocity = Vh = Vo×cos(α) </span>
<span>t = time = -2×Vo×sin(α)/g </span>
<span>therefore </span>
<span>r = (Vo×cos(α)) × (-2×Vo×sin(α)/g) </span>
<span>r = -(Vo)²×sin(2α)/g </span>
<span>To find the extreme points of r (max or min) with respect to α, the first derivative of r with regards to α must be determined and set to 0. </span>
<span>dr/dα = d[-(Vo)²×sin(2α)/g] / dα </span>
<span>dr/dα = -(Vo)²/g × d[sin(2α)] / dα </span>
<span>dr/dα = -(Vo)²/g × cos(2α) × d(2α) / dα </span>
<span>dr/dα = -2 × (Vo)² × cos(2α) / g </span>
<span>As Vo and g are constants that are not equal to 0, the only solution for dr/dα to equal 0 is when </span>
<span>cos(2α) = 0 </span>
<span>2α = 90° </span>
<span>α = 45° </span>
