INTERNAL ASSESSMENT

MATHEMATICS ANALYSIS AND APPROACHES - SL

Optimizing a Water Fountain Jet:

What could be the Optimal Angle to achieve
Maximum Height?

Session: May 2025

Page Count: 20
INDEX
Rationale…………………………………………………………………………………………..3

Context of the Problem……………………………………………………………………………3

Two Dimensional projectile motion……………………………………………………………….4

Objectives…………………………………………………………………………………………5

Calculations

Calculating Current initial velocity ignoring air resistance………………………………5

Calculating the Effect of Air resistance………………………………………………….10

Calculating Initial velocity with air resistance…………………………………………..12

Calculating Launch angle when initial velocity is doubled……………………………..15

Calculating Maximum possible height when initial velocity is doubled………………..17

Conclusion……………………………………………………………………………………….19

Evaluation.……………………………………………………………………………………….20

References………………………………………………………………………………………..20
RATIONALE

The exploration aim of this Internal Assessment is to explore the implementation of

mathematics to solve a real life issue - specifically, the design of my backyard water fountain.

The water fountain is supposed to be installed in my backyard. It is a series of several water

streams creating a parabolic curve of water. The water fountain can reach a maximum distance of

6m as per the size of my backyard. While visiting the interior designer’s workshop, we were

shown that when launched at a particular force at 45° angle, it reached a 6m distance. However,

this force can be doubled to reach the maximum possible force. I personally wish that the

fountain should be able to go over a normal adult’s height (1.65m to 1.80m) so that one can walk

below the fountain. However, when we saw the fountain at the workshop, I was barely able to

walk through it.

Using mathematical concepts of derivation, integration, and trigonometry, I wish to

examine what launch angle would be required to reach a horizontal distance of 6m, and what

would be the maximum height, and if it will be enough for a person to walk through the water

fountain without splashing themselves.

CONTEXT OF THE PROBLEM

Currently, the water fountain is angled at 45° and is launched at an initial velocity that is

unknown, except for the fact that the water fountain is launched at a particular force and it

reaches at a horizontal distance of 6 meters.

 ​
Reference Image

The first task is to investigate and calculate the initial velocity in m/s of the current fountain. The

fountain can be launched at full power, which is double the current force, to reach a maximum

height to improve its aesthetic appeal, however, the water fountain should end and splash in the

original splash point at the 6 meter distance. The main task is to find the new launch angle at

which the fountain must be set at the new initial velocity (= double the original initial velocity)

and the new maximum height of the water fountain to compare it with the original maximum

height.

TWO DIMENSIONAL PROJECTILE MOTION

​ When considering the movement of a particular object, in this case water, in a projectile

motion, a lot of factors, such as wind, are involved and affect the movement of the water which

will not be considered for the context of this exploration. Two dimensional projectile motion

refers to the analysis of the movement of water on a vertical and horizontal axis, only

considering the vertical and horizontal distances covered by the fountain when the velocity is
fluctuated to obtain an accurate theoretical launch angle, taking into account air resistance

affecting the fountain.

OBJECTIVE

​ The objective of this internal assessment is to derive mathematical expressions that

represent the relationship between the launch angle and initial velocity and how it can be used to

model various possibilities of water fountains with changing velocity and degree of launch angle.

By applying mathematical equations of horizontal range and initial velocity, I will -

1.​ Calculate the current initial velocity, α, of the water fountain based on the given

horizontal distance and launch angle.

2.​ Calculate the initial maximum height (vertical distance) by modeling the current water

fountain.

3.​ Once initial velocity is doubled (power of water outage is doubled), calculate the new

initial launch angle to reach the same horizontal distance of 6 meters.

4.​ Calculate the new maximum height (vertical distance) by modeling the new fountain at a

new launch angle.

5.​ Compare the two heights and calculate change based on mentioned parameters.

CALCULATIONS

CALCULATING THE CURRENT INITIAL VELOCITY IGNORING AIR RESISTANCE

The Current launch angle is 45° which has been given in the problem. The horizontal

displacement is 6 meters. The initial velocity is unknown.

Deriving the formula for the “horizontal displacement for an angled-launched projectile” by

Clear diagram for better

understanding.

Figure 1 - Motion of an object in a projectile (as per Physics rules)

There is no acceleration in horizontal direction so horizontal displacement will be (using

velocity=displacement/time)

u cosθ = R/t

Where u cosθ = horizontal displacement and u = initial velocity

R = range

T = flight time

Using SUVAT Equations where velocity (v) = initial velocity (𝑣 0

) + acceleration (a) into

time (t) - ​

(SUVAT equations refer to the equations of motion derived by physicians when acceleration is known and

constant, and can be used to calculate velocity, displacements, time, etc. of an object in motion)
 v=𝑣 0
+ at ​

Therefore, vᵧ = 𝑣 0
ᵧ + at (Vertical Velocity measured at change is y axis)

0=𝑣 0
sin θ+(-g)t ​

(acceleration = acceleration due to gravity, however, it will be negative as the projectile

is concave down)

Therefore, simplifying, and deriving the Time period -

𝑣 × 𝑆𝑖𝑛(θ)
t= 0
𝑔

which is the flight time (t) till the highest point. Therefore,

𝑣 0
× 𝑆𝑖𝑛(θ)
total flight time = 2 𝑥
𝑔

R = u cosθ x (2𝑣 x sinθ/g)

0

R=𝑣 ² (2sinθcosθ)/g
0

Therefore, the horizontal range (R) is derived as -

R = (𝑣 2
x Sin2θ) / g
0

Where -

R = maximum range = 6 meters

V0 = initial velocity = unknown

θ = Initial launch angle = 45° and,

g = Acceleration due to gravity = 9.8 m/s

Substituting θ as 45°,

2θ = 45° x 2

= 90°

Therefore, Sin2θ = Sin(90°) = 1

Therefore, Range = V02 / g

Therefore, Initial Velocity squared is

V02 = R x g

= 6 x 9.8

= 58.8

Therefore, Initial velocity is

V0 = √58.8

= 7.67 m/s (3sf)

Confirming initial velocity using projectile motion curve -

As seen in Figure 1, Horizontal velocity (𝑋 0) = 𝑉0 × 𝐶𝑜𝑠θ

And Vertical velocity (𝑌 0) = (𝑉0 𝑆𝑖𝑛θ − 𝑔𝑡)

Now, displacement = ∫ 𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦 (𝑣)

Therefore, Horizontal displacement (x(t)) = ∫𝑉0 × 𝐶𝑜𝑠θ

= 𝑉0 × 𝐶𝑜𝑠θ × 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒 (𝑡)

And Vertical Displacement (y(t)) = ∫(𝑉0 𝑆𝑖𝑛θ − 𝑔𝑡)

2
𝑔𝑡
= 𝑉0 𝑆𝑖𝑛θ𝑡 − 2

2
= 𝑉0 𝑆𝑖𝑛θ𝑡 − 0. 5𝑔𝑡

Which represents the vertical position of an object in projectile motion

NOW -

x(t) = V0 x Cos(θ) x t

𝑥
Therefore, t = 𝑉0𝐶𝑜𝑠θ

2
Now, y(t) = 𝑉0 𝑆𝑖𝑛θ𝑡 − 0. 5𝑔𝑡

𝑥 9.8 𝑥
So, y(t) = v0Sin(θ) x 𝑉0𝐶𝑜𝑠θ
- 2
( 2 2 )2
𝑉0 𝐶𝑜𝑠θ

𝑥 𝑥
y(t) = v0Sin(θ) x 𝑉0𝐶𝑜𝑠θ
- 4.9( 2 2 )2
𝑣0 𝐶𝑜𝑠θ

2
4.9𝑥
y(t) = xtan(θ) - 2 2
𝑉0 𝐶𝑜𝑠θ

2
SINCE - Cosθ = 2
AND Tanθ = 1 When θ = 45° AND V0 = 7.67

Therefore,
2
4.9𝑥
y(t) = x - 2 2
7.67𝑥7.67𝑥 2
𝑥 2

And Thus, y(t) = x - 0.1665847908x2

 Use of technology is clearly demonstrated.

Proving that when initial velocity is 7.67m/s, the water fountain covers a 6m horizontal range

(when air resistance is not taken into consideration)

And the height of the current fountain is approximately 1.5 meters.

CALCULATING THE EFFECT OF AIR RESISTANCE ON CURRENT SETUP

To calculate the effect of air resistance, we need to calculate the drag force acting on the Vertical

and Horizontal distance. Drag is the opposite force acting on the water fountain, and it

proportional to the velocity that is acting on the water fountain, and thus, using

(Force = mass (m) x acceleration (a)) as a formula and due to the proportionality of air resistance

forming the equation (y(t) = -dvx) for the new horizontal distance, we can deduce that -

𝑑𝑣
a= 𝑑𝑡
𝑥

Therefore, if we equate both the functions -

𝑑𝑣
mx 𝑑𝑡
𝑥
= -k x vx

𝑑𝑣 −𝑘
𝑣
𝑥
= 𝑚
dt
𝑥
Where k = drag coefficient which is used to calculate the effect of drag on a moving object

through matter at a particular time interval

Integrating both sides -

𝑑𝑣 𝑥 −𝑘
∫ 𝑣
= 𝑚
∫ 𝑑𝑡
𝑥

−𝑘
ln(vx) = 𝑚
t + C1

Taking ln on the other side

−𝑘 −𝑘
t + C1 t
Vx = e 𝑚 =e𝑚 x e C1

Since e C1 is another constant, it can be replaced as the initial velocity = vx0

Therefore, Horizontal velocity -

−𝑘
𝑡
Vx = 𝑉 𝑥0
x 𝑒 𝑚

Here, vx0= v0cos⁡(θ), the initial velocity in the horizontal direction. The constant C1​essentially

"merges" into the term representing the initial condition, so it’s no longer explicitly written. This

is a standard method in differential equations: integration constants account for initial conditions.

Now, integrating horizontal velocity will give the equation for the horizontal distance.

x(t) = ∫ 𝑉 𝑥

−𝑘
𝑡
= ∫𝑉 𝑥0
x 𝑒 𝑚

−𝑘
𝑡
=𝑉 𝑥0
∫𝑒 𝑚

−𝑘
Integrating only e 𝑚 t for now

−𝑘 −𝑘
𝑡 −𝑚 𝑡
∫𝑒 𝑚
= 𝑘
𝑒 𝑚
Replacing this in the formula of x(t)
−𝑘
−𝑚 𝑡
x(t) = (𝑉 𝑥0
x 𝑘
𝑒 𝑚
) + C2

When t = 0,
−𝑘
−𝑚 (0)
x(0) = (𝑉 𝑥0
x 𝑘
𝑒 𝑚
) + C2

−𝑚 0
𝑉 𝑥0 𝑘
𝑒 = -C2

𝑚
C2 = 𝑉 𝑥0 𝑘

Replacing C2 in the original formula -

−𝑘
−𝑚 𝑡 𝑚
x(t) = (𝑉 𝑥0
× 𝑘
𝑒 𝑚
) + (𝑉 𝑥0
× 𝑘
)

−𝑘
𝑚 × 𝑉 𝑡
x(t) = 𝑘
𝑥0
(− 𝑒 𝑚
+ 1)

−𝑘
𝑡
Where (− 𝑒 𝑚
) = Exponential decay representing how initial velocity decreases over time due

to air resistance affecting the water fountain.

CALCULATING THE NEW INITIAL VELOCITY OF CURRENT SETUP TO REACH

6M RANGE WITH AIR RESISTANCE ​

Now, x(t) = 6m

k = 0.00445 (theoretical value of drag coefficient of turbulent flow water as per ScienceDirect)

To calculate the flight time, we use the derived formula above -

𝑣 × 𝑆𝑖𝑛(θ)
t=2x 0
𝑔

7.67 × 𝑆𝑖𝑛(45°)
=2𝑥 9.8

7.67 × 0.707
=2x 9.8
 ≈ 2 𝑥 0. 554 𝑆𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑠

= 1.108 seconds

The diameter of the fountain head was measured by me and was 2 cm. Therefore,

r = 0.01m

Distance covered by water (after leaving the pipe) (l) = 7.67 x 1.108

= 8.498 ≈ 8. 5𝑚

2
Cross Sectional Area (A) = π𝑟

= π 𝑥 0. 012

= 0.000314159m2

Volume (V) = A x l

= 0.000314159m2 x 8. 5𝑚

= 0.00267

Mass (m) = ρ (𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦) 𝑥 𝑉

= 1000 × 0. 00267

= 2.67 kg

Making Vx0 the subject in the equation we derived for the horizontal range with air resistance →
−𝑘
𝑚𝑥𝑉 𝑡
x(t) = 𝑘
𝑥0
(− 𝑒 𝑚
+ 1)

−𝑘
𝑘 𝑡
Therefore, 𝑚
x(t) = 𝑉 𝑥0
(− 𝑒 𝑚
+ 1)

𝑘
𝑥(𝑡)
Therefore, Vx0 = 𝑚
−𝑘
𝑚
𝑡
(−𝑒 + 1)

When we replace the values obtained above, we get the Terminal velocity as (because distance is

considered as 6m which is the end of the fountain) -

 0.00445
2.67
×6
Vx0 = −0.00445
1.108
2.67
(−𝑒 + 1)

0.001667 × 6
= −0.001667 × 1.108
(−𝑒 + 1)

0.010002
= −0.00184703
(−𝑒 + 1)

0.010002
= −0.00184703
(−𝑒 + 1)

0.010002
= (−0.99815467471 + 1)

0.010002
= (−0.99815467471 + 1)

0.010002
= 0.00184532528

= 5.42 m/s

Using the physics formulae and the Terminal velocity, we can derive the initial velocity using -

Vx0 = Cos(Θ)𝑉 0

𝑉
Therefore, V0 = 𝑥0
𝐶𝑜𝑠(45°)

5.42
= 0.7071

= 7.65 m/s

This closeness between the values of initial velocity with air resistance and initial velocity

ignoring air resistance is due to the viscous and laminar nature of the water flow. Air resistance

affects the water only when launched at the beginning, after which, the path created by the water

remains unaffected by normal air resistance and would only be deviated if other forces, such as

wind, act upon it, which is not considered for the sake of this investigation. This also acts as a
validation that while air resistance was calculated and applied on the water fountain, the

negligible effect was proven using mathematical evaluation.

FINDING NEW LAUNCH ANGLE WHEN INITIAL VELOCITY IS DOUBLED TO

REACH 6M RANGE

Calculating flight time -

𝑣 × 𝑆𝑖𝑛(θ)
t= 0
𝑔

7.65 × 𝑆𝑖𝑛(θ)
= 9.8

= 0.7806 × 𝑆𝑖𝑛(θ)

which is the flight time till the highest point. Therefore, total flight time = 0.7806 x 2 x 𝑆𝑖𝑛(θ)

= 1.5612Sin(θ)

Calculating The mass of Water -

Length of water (l) = Velocity x Flight Time

= 7.67 x 1.5612Sin(θ)

≈ 11.9744Sin(θ)

2
Cross Sectional Area (A) = π𝑟 (Calculated above) = 0.000314159m2

Volume (V) = A x l

= 0.000314159m2 x 11.9744Sin(θ)

= 0.0037619Sin(θ)

Mass (m) = ρ (𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦) 𝑥 𝑉

= 1000 x 0.0037619Sin(θ)

= 3.7619Sin(θ) kg
Using this mass, we can calculate Terminal Velocity (Vx0) where x(t) = 6m
𝑘
×(𝑡)
Vx0 = 𝑚
−𝑘
𝑡
𝑚
(−𝑒 + 1)

0.00445
3.7619𝑆𝑖𝑛(θ)
1.5612𝑆𝑖𝑛(θ) × 6
Therefore, Vx0 = −0.00445
3.7619𝑆𝑖𝑛(θ)
(−𝑒 + 1)

0.0267
3.7619𝑆𝑖𝑛(θ)
Therefore, Vx0 = −0.006947𝑆𝑖𝑛(θ)
3.7619𝑆𝑖𝑛(θ)
(−𝑒 + 1)

0.00709748
𝑆𝑖𝑛(θ)
Vx0 = −0.0018467636
(−𝑒 + 1)

0.00709748

Vx0 =
𝑆𝑖𝑛(θ)
(−0.99815494 + 1)

0.00709748 1
Vx0 = 𝑆𝑖𝑛(θ)
× (−0.99815494 + 1)

0.00709748 1
Vx0 = 𝑆𝑖𝑛(θ)
× 0.0018450594

0.00709748
Vx0 = 0.0018450594𝑆𝑖𝑛(θ)

3.846747319
Vx0 = 𝑆𝑖𝑛(θ)

Using this, we can calculate the Launch Angle using the Formula of Initial Velocity (V0) -

Vx0 = Cos(Θ)𝑉 0

𝑉
Therefore, 𝑉
𝑥0
= Cos(Θ)
0

Now, 𝑉 0
= 2 × 7.65 = 15.3 m/s
 3.846747319
And 𝑉 𝑥0
= 𝑆𝑖𝑛(θ)

Thus, replacing the values, we can calculate the launch angle (Θ) -
3.846747319
𝑆𝑖𝑛(θ)
15.3
= Cos(Θ)

3.846747319 1
𝑆𝑖𝑛(θ)
× 15.3
= Cos(Θ)

0.25142139
𝑆𝑖𝑛(θ)
= Cos(Θ)

0. 25142139 = Cos(θ)𝑆𝑖𝑛(θ)

Multiplying both sides by 2 -

2Cos(θ)𝑆𝑖𝑛(θ) = 0. 25142139 × 2 = 0. 50284278

Using Trigonometric Identities, we get -

2Cos(θ)𝑆𝑖𝑛(θ) = Sin(2θ)
Good use of mathematics.
Therefore, we can calculate the launch angle as -

Sin(2θ) = 0. 50284278

Therefore, 2θ = Sin-1(0. 50284278) = 30.18825

Therefore, θ = 30.18825 x 2 = 60.377°

Therefore, when the Initial Velocity is Doubled to reach the horizontal distance of 6m including

the negligible air resistance, the required launch angle = 60.377°

CALCULATING THE MAXIMUM POSSIBLE HEIGHT AT 2x INITIAL VELOCITY

AND NEW LAUNCH ANGLE -

From the previous calculations, we can observe that the maximum height is approximately at

3.00147 meters of horizontal distance. Therefore →​

(The formulae of vertical distance ignoring air resistance is considered due to the negligible

effect of it on the fountain)

2
4.9𝑥
y(t) = 𝑥tan(θ) - 2 2
𝑣0 𝐶𝑜𝑠θ

2
4.9𝑥
= 𝑥tan(60. 377) - 2 2
(15.3) × (𝐶𝑜𝑠(60.377))

2
4.9𝑥
= 1.758639x - 234.09× 0.24433

2
4.9𝑥
= 1.758639x - 234.09× 0.24433

2
4.9𝑥
= 1.758639x - 57.19539

= 1.758639x - 0.085671x2

Therefore, to find the height -

h = 1.758639(3.00147) - 0.085671(3.00147)2

= 5.2785 - 2.3165254

= 2.96 meters

THEREFORE, when the INITIAL VELOCITY is doubled and LAUNCH ANGLE is changed to

reach the same HORIZONTAL DISTANCE of 6M, the MAXIMUM HEIGHT of the fountain ​

= 2.96 meters

CONCLUSION

With the help of the mathematical concepts of integration and derivation and technology

(Desmos), I was successfully able to calculate, plot and verify the initial velocity of the fountain

and its maximum height to reach 6m of distance when the launch angle was kept as 45°.
Following this, using physics formulae such as the SUVAT equations, the third law of motion,

and the drag constant, I was able to derive equations to calculate the effect of air resistance on

the water fountain. Further, I was able to verify the negligible effect of air resistance on the water

fountain due to its laminar flow and viscous nature. After which, i was successfully able to

calculate the initial velocity of the current setting (as mentioned in the context of the problem)

which was then further used to calculate the launch angle when this initial velocity was doubled

(indicating that the water was flowing at a maximum rate) using the derived formulae of

horizontal range affected by air resistance. Lastly, using the launch angle and the new initial

velocity, I was successfully able to calculate the new height which is approximately 2.96 metres.

This also showcases how the problem at hand was solved as any adult, with the average height

of 1.65 to 1.8 metres of height will be able to pass through the fountain of my backyard without

splashing water on themselves even if other unconsidered factors (such as weather) have a major

effect on the fountains due to the margin of safety of over 1 metres.

An interesting observation/correlation that can be observed here is that, when the

horizontal range was kept constant, and when initial velocity was doubled, the maximum height

of the water fountain increased by approximately 2 times. While this correlation requires further

mathematical implications and testing to create a cause effect relationship, this allows the

creation of a new hypothesis of whether an increase in initial velocity of the projectile motion of

water to reach the same horizontal range (horizontal displacement) would lead to a proportional

increase in the maximum height (vertical displacement) of the projectile created and vice versa.

​ It can be concluded that the aims and objectives of this investigation are met and I was

successfully able to optimize a Water Fountain Jet to Calculate Optimal Angle and

Maximum Height when Initial Velocity is Doubled.

EVALUATION

While I was successfully able to obtain the maximum height and optimal angle of launch when

my backyard fountain would be launched at full force, there were a few limitations to this

investigation which as mentioned as follows -

1.​ A theoretical value of drag on air was taken into consideration. The resistance applied by

air depends on its density and changes on the basis of the location, time of day, and

weather conditions, which was not accounted for.

2.​ Other external factors, such as wind, were deliberately not considered in this

investigation. This would not just affect the projectility of the fountain but also the

direction (3rd dimension) which was not considered.

3.​ The volume of water was calculated using the diameter of the pipe, however water, due

its tendency and ability, expands, even if minimally, when forced out of a concise space,

increasing the diameter of the water flow, and thus the volume.

All of these factors can and would have affected the reliability of the result obtained.

This investigation considered only 2 factors, initial velocity and launch angle, to determine a

maximum height. Other factors such as varying diameter of the pipe can also be examined,
Critical thinking about the possible sources
which acts as an extensibility to this investigation. of error and limitations included.

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