To find the angle of elevation for a projectile that reaches a target distance (range) of 20 km with an initial velocity of 500 m/s, we'll use the formula for the range of a projectile fired from a level surface. The formula is:
\[ R = \frac{v^2 \sin(2\theta)}{g} \]
where:
- \( R \) is the range (20 km = 20,000 m),
- \( v \) is the initial velocity (500 m/s),
- \( g \) is the acceleration due to gravity (10 m/s²),
- \( \theta \) is the angle of elevation.
Rearranging the formula to solve for \( \sin(2\theta) \):
\[ \sin(2\theta) = \frac{R \cdot g}{v^2} \]
Substituting the known values into the equation:
\[ \sin(2\theta) = \frac{20000 \cdot 10}{500^2} \]
Calculating the right-hand side:
\[ \sin(2\theta) = \frac{200000}{250000} = 0.8 \]
Now we need to find \( 2\theta \) such that:
\[ 2\theta = \arcsin(0.8) \]
Using a calculator to find \( \arcsin(0.8) \):
\[ 2\theta \approx 53.13^{\circ} \]
Now, dividing by 2 to solve for \( \theta \):
\[ \theta \approx \frac{53.13^{\circ}}{2} \approx 26.57^{\circ} \]
Thus, the angle of elevation \( \theta \) is approximately:
\[ \theta \approx 26.57^{\circ} \]