What Are the Steps to Solve These 3 Algebra-Based Physics Problems?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around three algebra-based physics problems involving projectile motion, Newton's Second Law, and static friction. The original poster seeks assistance in selecting appropriate formulas and understanding the underlying concepts without receiving direct answers.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the need to identify initial velocities and resolve components for projectile motion. Questions about applying Newton's Second Law and the conditions for equilibrium in static friction scenarios are raised. The original poster shares their attempts at calculations for one of the problems.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided hints and guidance on how to approach the problems, while the original poster has made progress on two of the three questions. There is acknowledgment of the original poster's reasoning, but no explicit consensus has been reached on the final answers.

Contextual Notes

The original poster expresses uncertainty about their understanding of the problems and seeks clarification on specific concepts. There is an emphasis on not wanting direct answers, which shapes the nature of the discussion.

SJC25
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HELP! I have 3 algebra based physics problems I need help starting. I don't want answers, just help picking formulas to use and such.

1) a fighter plane has an air speed of 200 m/s. A projectile is launched at 50 m/s in a forward direction, with a 30 degree angle relative to the plane's motion. What is the speed of the projectile with respect to a stationar observer on the ground?

2) An anti-tank weapon fires a 3kg rocket which acquires a speed of 50m/s after traveling 90cm down a launching tube. What force is acted on it?

3) A 10 kg block rests on a table. The coefficient of static friction os 0.50. If someone pushes down on the block with a force of 48N what is the maximum horizontal pull that will NOT move the block?


Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.
 
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Hello

You haven't mentioned your specific difficulties with these problems. Please post your reasoning/approach before you ask for help here. Anyway, I assume that you just cannot start thinking about these problems so I'll give you some hints:

For Question1: you seem to be unfamiliar with the kinematics of projectile motion. Perhaps a diagram illustrating the initial direction of motion of the projectile. Do you know what the absolute initial velocity of the projectile is? Can you resolve it in two mutually perpendicular directions?

For Question 2: Do you know the mathematical formulation of Newton's Second Law, "The rate of change of linear momentum of a body equals the force acting on it"? Can you use it somewhere in your reasoning? What is given and what is to be found?

For Question 3: Can you write the equation of "motion" (read further) for this block? If you can do so using F = ma you should be able to adapt it for the specific case in question, that is, of equilibrium of the block under the forces acting on it. Which direction does the friction act? Will it aid motion or oppose it in this case? Can you resolve the forces in two mutually perpendicular directions?

Hope that helps...

Cheers
Vivek
 
Okay, I got #1, and #3. #2 is still dancing it's evil little dance on my grave. Am I doing this right?
v^2=v(naught)^2+2a(x-x(naught))
(50m/s)^2=0+2a(90cm-0)
2500=2a(.9m)
a= 1389m/s^2

F=ma
F=(3kg)(1388m/s^2)
F= 4167Newtons
 
Didn't check the actual calculations but your approach is right.
 
thank you!
 

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