A ball is being launched from a platform. Which one doesn't increase the range of the shot compare to horizontal launch? Select one: a. Increasing the platforms height which ball is being launched. b. Setting the launch angle to 45 degrees from horizontal alignment. c. Increasing the initial velocity of the launcher. d. Setting the launch angle to 80 degrees from horizontal alignment.

The correct answer is d. Setting the launch angle to 80 degrees from horizontal alignment.<br /><br />Explanation:<br /><br />The range of a projectile launched from a platform is determined by the initial velocity, the launch angle, and the height of the platform. The formula for the range (R) of a projectile is given by:<br /><br />R = (v^2/g) * sin(2θ)<br /><br />where:<br />- v is the initial velocity of the projectile<br />- g is the acceleration due to gravity<br />- θ is the launch angle<br /><br />Option a, increasing the height of the platform, will increase the range because it gives the projectile more time in the air to travel horizontally.<br /><br />Option b, setting the launch angle to 45 degrees, is actually the optimal angle for maximum range, as sin(90°) = 1, which maximizes the range.<br /><br />Option c, increasing the initial velocity, will also increase the range because a higher initial velocity results in a higher horizontal component of the velocity.<br /><br />Option d, setting the launch angle to 80 degrees, will not increase the range compared to a horizontal launch (which is 0 degrees). In fact, it will decrease the range because the sin(2θ) term will be smaller for a larger angle, resulting in a smaller range.