a
(a)For particle \(P\), motion between \(A\) and \(C\) will be an accelerated one while between \( C\) and \(B\) a retarded one. But in any case horizontal component of it’s velocity will be greater than or equal to \(v\) on the other hand in case of particle \(Q\), it is always equal to \( v\). horizontal displacement of both the particles are equal, so \({t_P} < {t_Q}\).