Analyzing the Velocity and Direction of Fuel Tank Drop in Two-Plane Scenario

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving two planes dropping fuel tanks from a height of 2.00 km. Both planes have the same speed of 135 m/s but differ in the angle of release, one at 15 degrees above the horizontal and the other at 15 degrees below. Participants are tasked with determining the magnitude and direction of the velocity of the fuel tanks upon impact with the ground.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the need to resolve the initial velocity into x and y components based on the given angles. There is uncertainty about the initial conditions and how the symmetry of the problem might simplify the analysis.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided hints regarding the use of initial velocity components and the concept of symmetry in projectile motion. However, there remains a lack of consensus on the interpretation of the problem's conditions, particularly regarding the distinction between speed and velocity.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the problem does not provide the initial velocity of the planes in a straightforward manner, leading to confusion about how to proceed with the calculations.

pstfleur
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1. Two planes are each about to drop an empty fuel tank. At the moment of release each plane has the same speed of 135 m/s, and each tank is at the same height of 2.00 km above the ground. Although the speeds are the same, the velocities are different at the instant of release, because one plane is flying at an angle of 15 degrees above the horizontal and the other is flying a an angle of 15 degrees below the horizontal. Find the magnitude and direction of the velocity with which the fuel tank hits the ground if it is from (a)Plan A and (b) Plane B. in each part, give the directional angles with respect to the horizontal.



Vf=Vo-gt, vf^2=Vo^2-2g(delta y), yf=Yo+volt-1/2gt^2



3. This problem looks so complex,
I can't really find the x and y components of the angle because i am not given the initial velocity of either plane(or so i think). Can Someone please guide me in the right direction with this problem
 
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It says that the "at the moment of release each plane has the same speed of 135 m/s", as well as their angles above/below the horizontal; therefore, you have your initial velocity. Split this into your x and y components. I'll give you a small hint too: Remember the symmetry of a parabola because it'll cut this problem in half.
 
chislam said:
It says that the "at the moment of release each plane has the same speed of 135 m/s", as well as their angles above/below the horizontal; therefore, you have your initial velocity. Split this into your x and y components. I'll give you a small hint too: Remember the symmetry of a parabola because it'll cut this problem in half.

K, I don't know about the symmetry of a parabola.. but to refer to your first half, if i find the x and y component of the speed and angle, that means that it is the initial velocity of both planes, but later in the problem it says "although the speeds are the same, the velocities are different at the instant of release" ...?
 
hello? lol
 
The speeds are the same. But they are going in different directions, hence different velocity.

Remember, velocity is determined by speed and direction.
 
Well about the symmetry, just work out the whole problem and afterwards you will probably notice what I meant.
 

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