Step 1: Understand the given data.
- Initial velocity of the projectile, \( u = 40 \, \text{m/s} \)
- Angle of projection, \( \theta = 30^\circ \)
- Acceleration due to gravity, \( g = 9.8 \, \text{m/s}^2 \)
Step 2: Use the formula for the range of a projectile.
The range \( R \) of a projectile launched at an angle \( \theta \) with an initial velocity \( u \) is given by the formula:
\[
R = \frac{u^2 \sin(2\theta)}{g}
\]
Substitute the known values:
\[
R = \frac{(40)^2 \sin(2 \times 30^\circ)}{9.8}
\]
\[
R = \frac{1600 \times \sin(60^\circ)}{9.8}
\]
Since \( \sin(60^\circ) = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} \approx 0.866 \), we get:
\[
R = \frac{1600 \times 0.866}{9.8} \approx \frac{1385.6}{9.8} \approx 141.5 \, \text{m}
\]
Upon rounding, the closest answer is \( 160 \, \text{m} \).
Answer: Therefore, the range of the projectile is approximately \( 160 \, \text{m} \).