Acceleration of a plane and the g-force

[strayaway]

Acceleration of a plane and the "g-force"

Homework Statement

Steam catapults are used to launch aircraft. During the launch of a F/A-18 jet (mass: 16,770 kg) the catapult accelerates from 0 to 250 km/hr within 76m of deck length. Calculate the force produced by the catapult, the acceleration of the plane, and the Ek of the plane as it leaves the deck. What is the "g-force" on the pilot?

Homework Equations

Ek = 1/2 mv^2

The Attempt at a Solution

i have no clue how to even start this problem, sorry :l

 

[Hootenanny]

Welcome to Physics Forums.

Homework Statement

Steam catapults are used to launch aircraft. During the launch of a F/A-18 jet (mass: 16,770 kg) the catapult accelerates from 0 to 250 km/hr within 76m of deck length. Calculate the force produced by the catapult, the acceleration of the plane, and the Ek of the plane as it leaves the deck. What is the "g-force" on the pilot?

Homework Equations

Ek = 1/2 mv^2

The Attempt at a Solution

i have no clue how to even start this problem, sorry :l

It is probably easier to work backwards for this problem. Can you start by working out the kinetic energy of the plane as it leaves the deck as well as its initial kinetic energy? How is this change in kinetic energy related to the work done?