A particle P is projected from a fixed point O with initial velocity \(u\mathbf{i} + ku\mathbf{j}\), where \(k\) is a positive constant. The unit vectors \(\mathbf{i}\) and \(\mathbf{j}\) are in the horizontal and vertically upward directions respectively. P moves with constant gravitational acceleration of magnitude \(g\).
At time \(t \geq 0\), particle P has position vector \(\mathbf{r}\) relative to O.
- Starting from an expression for \(\ddot{\mathbf{r}}\), use integration to derive the formula
$$\mathbf{r} = ut\mathbf{i} + \left(kut - \frac{1}{2}gt^2\right)\mathbf{j}.$$ [4]
The position vector \(\mathbf{r}\) of P at time \(t \geq 0\) can be expressed as \(\mathbf{r} = x\mathbf{i} + y\mathbf{j}\), where the axes Ox and Oy are horizontally and vertically upwards through O respectively. The axis Ox lies on horizontal ground.
- Show that the path of P has cartesian equation
$$gy^2 - 2ku^2x + 2u^2y = 0.$$ [3]
- Hence find, in terms of \(g\), \(k\) and \(u\), the maximum height of P above the ground during its motion. [3]
The maximum height P reaches above the ground is equal to the distance OA, where A is the point where P first hits the ground.
- Determine the value of \(k\). [3]