Which of the following factors influences the range of a mortar round?

• A. Type of crew operating the mortar
• B. Angle of elevation
• C. Cost of ammunition
• D. Number of supporting infantry

Answer: (B)

The range of a mortar round is governed by how you direct the launch—specifically the angle of elevation. With a fixed propellant charge and initial speed, adjusting the elevation changes the balance between the vertical and horizontal components of the round’s velocity. A lower angle pushes more velocity into the forward (horizontal) direction, stretching the flight distance, while a higher angle increases the vertical component, causing the round to rise higher but land sooner in terms of horizontal travel. In real conditions, air drag and altitude shift the optimal angle, so it sits in the mid-range rather than a perfect 45 degrees, but the core idea remains: elevation controls how far the round travels.

The other factors listed don’t alter the ballistic path in the same way. The crew operating doesn’t change the physics of the shot, the cost of ammunition is an economic factor, and the number of supporting infantry doesn’t affect the projectile’s trajectory.