When a ball is kicked with an initial velocity and at an angle of elevation, its horizontal and vertical motions are independent of each other. The horizontal motion is constant and unaffected by gravity, while the vertical motion is influenced by gravity and follows a parabolic path.
In this case, the ball is kicked with an initial velocity of 20 m/s and at an angle of elevation of 45 degrees. The horizontal component of the initial velocity can be found using the equation Vx = V * cos(theta), where Vx is the horizontal component, V is the initial velocity, and theta is the angle of elevation.
Vx = 20 m/s * cos(45 degrees) = 20 m/s * 0.707 = 14.14 m/s
The time taken for the ball to reach its maximum height can be found using the equation t = Vy / g, where Vy is the vertical component of the initial velocity and g is the acceleration due to gravity.
Vy = 20 m/s * sin(45 degrees) = 20 m/s * 0.707 = 14.14 m/s
t = 14.14 m/s / 10 m/s^2 = 1.414 s
The horizontal distance traveled by the ball can be found using the equation d = Vx * t, where d is the distance and t is the time.
d = 14.14 m/s * 1.414 s = 19.99 m
Therefore, the maximum distance reached by the ball is approximately 20 m, which corresponds to the answer choice of 40 m.