An unidentified object is advancing toward a nuclear facility along the x-direction at a constant speed of 40 m/s 2 km above the ground level. A 15 kg missile producing a thrust of 425 N and oriented vertically upward is placed at ground level in the same x-y plane as the object. The missile is fired up and hits the object. At the instant of launching the missile, calculate the horizontal distance separating the missile and the object.

• A. 500 m
• B. 588 m
• C. 1200 m
• D. 1412 m

Answer: (B)