‘You may fire when ready, Gridley’
[1]Tristan and Layla have reactivated a cannon once used in the War of 1812. They are firing it from the site of the Sackets Harbor Naval Yard.
Given the prominence of the site, the cannon muzzle is 30 feet above the water.
Aiming the cannon 15 degrees above the horizon, its range is 12,725 feet. Aiming the cannon 20 degrees above the horizon, its range is 16,279 feet.
Their target, a drone clawfoot bathtub, is lurking 22,277 feet from their position.
Using the same powder load as before, find the tilt angle they should employ.
A correct answer sent to [email protected] [2] might win a Tucker’s gift card.
Last week’s winner [3] was Gerry McCann with g-force = 1.75 g’s.
(Use of AI to solve this problem is strictly prohibited.)
Jeff Smith is a former Math teacher and a retired US Navy Lieutenant Commander. Reach him at [email protected] [2].