What is the maximum ordinate in the context of projectile flight?

The maximum ordinate refers to the highest point that a projectile reaches during its flight path above the line of sight from the shooter to the target. This concept is crucial in understanding the trajectory of projectiles, especially in military applications like artillery and machine gun fire. The maximum ordinate indicates how high the projectile will rise before it begins its descent toward the target, which is important for calculating lead and ensuring an accurate hit, particularly when shooting at moving or distant targets.

In this context, considering the other choices helps clarify why the correct answer stands out. The total range of the projectile pertains to how far it travels, not its height. The initial speed of the projectile relates to its velocity at launch, which influences the range but doesn’t directly describe the peak height. The angle of elevation is critical for determining the trajectory but does not specifically define the point of maximum height in relation to the line of sight. Understanding the maximum ordinate allows for better targeting and effective use of machine guns in various combat scenarios.