Airplane Dropping a Package Relative Motion

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on a physics problem involving an airplane dropping a package from a height of 350 m while traveling horizontally at 80.0 m/s. The package is released with a westward velocity of 3 m/s relative to the plane and lands precisely on a hay pile located 2900 m away. The key equation used to determine the time until impact is \(y_f = y_i + v_y t - \frac{1}{2} g t^2\), where \(g = 9.8 \, \text{m/s}^2\). The participants emphasize the importance of identifying relevant information and applying the correct equations to solve the problem.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of projectile motion principles
  • Familiarity with kinematic equations in physics
  • Basic knowledge of vertical and horizontal motion components
  • Ability to perform calculations involving gravitational acceleration
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and application of kinematic equations in projectile motion
  • Learn how to analyze motion in two dimensions
  • Explore the effects of air resistance on projectile trajectories
  • Practice solving similar problems involving relative motion and projectile drops
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, educators teaching projectile motion, and anyone interested in applying kinematic principles to real-world scenarios.

DanielleG
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Homework Statement



A Red Cross airplane is traveling horizontally east at velocity v_0 = 80.0 m/s and height h = 350 m above the ground. The plane carries emergency supplies for a village inaccessible by road. The plane will drop the package (without a parachute) into a pile of soft hay prepared on the ground to cushion the impact. The pilot looks at her instruments and notices the plane is a horizontal distance $d = 2900$ m from the hay pile. A time t_1 later, the copilot pushes the package out of the plane, with a westward horizontal velocity v_s = 3 m/s relative to the plane. It lands exactly on the hay pile. From the instant the package leaves the plane, how much time elapses till it hits the hay pile? (Neglect air resistance.)

Homework Equations



$$y_f=y_i+v_yt-\frac{1}{2}gt^2$$

Where $$g=9.8\frac{m}{s^2}$$, y_f is the final height, and y_i, the initial height

3. The Attempt at a Solution


I have drawn a diagram (see attached file) but I am unsure of where to start. If anyone had any advice for where to begin, that would be great!
 

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DanielleG said:
height h = 350 m

DanielleG said:
(Neglect air resistance.)

DanielleG said:
y_f is the final height, and y_i, the initial height
Read the problem; discard the irrelevant information; solve.
 
Bystander said:
Read the problem; discard the irrelevant information; solve.
Thanks, right after I posted this I realized I had all the necessary information!
 

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