A bomb is dropped from an airplane

  • Context: MHB 
  • Thread starter Thread starter karush
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Airplane Bomb
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the physics of a bomb dropped from a moving airplane, specifically addressing the trajectory of the bomb. When released, the bomb retains the horizontal velocity of the airplane, resulting in a parabolic path as described by the equation \(s(t)=-16t^2+s_0\). This means that while the bomb appears to fall vertically from the airplane's perspective, it actually follows a curved trajectory relative to the ground. The problem is categorized under differentiation exercises, highlighting its application in physics and calculus.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics principles, particularly projectile motion.
  • Familiarity with calculus concepts, specifically differentiation.
  • Knowledge of coordinate systems and reference frames.
  • Ability to interpret and manipulate quadratic equations.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of projectile motion in physics.
  • Learn how to apply differentiation to motion equations.
  • Explore the concept of reference frames in classical mechanics.
  • Investigate the mathematical modeling of parabolic trajectories.
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators teaching calculus and physics concepts, and anyone interested in the application of mathematics to real-world scenarios involving motion.

karush
Gold Member
MHB
Messages
3,240
Reaction score
5
View attachment 1553

this looks like a very easy problem but I was ? about the bomb not dropping really in a vertical direction but implies that when it hits the ground it will right over the plane?
this was under exercises for differentiation but don't why it would be used for this
no ans in bk on this one..
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Re: a bomb is dropped from an airplane

karush said:
View attachment 1553

this looks like a very easy problem but I was ? about the bomb not dropping really in a vertical direction but implies that when it hits the ground it will right over the plane?
this was under exercises for differentiation but don't why it would be used for this
no ans in bk on this one..
Given that the airplane is moving at some rate, the bomb will be moving at the same rate in the horizontal (i.e. $x$) direction the instant it's released from the plane. From the reference frame of the ground, the bomb takes on a parabolic trajectory (where it's path is given by the equation $s(t)=-16t^2+s_0$). However, from the reference frame of the plane, it will appear as if the bomb is falling straight down.

Does this clarify things?
 

Similar threads

MHB Function if a plane dropping a bomb.
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Undergrad Physics of Dropping Bombs from Stationary Aircraft
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
4K
Kinematics involving an airplane
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Does a Bomb Dropped from a Plane Explode Directly Below It?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Solve Velocity Problem: Drone Drops Bomb from 3500 ft
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Trajectory of an airdropped bomb
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
How Do You Calculate the Impact Point of a Bomb Released from a Moving Airplane?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
6K
Relative motion problem with airplane and wind velocity
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
5K
When Should an Airplane Drop a Package to Hit a Target?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
Heat transfer in wing by anti-ice system using hot air in piccolo tube
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K