The acceleration of a 2000 kg plane landing at an airfield with an initial speed of 50 m/s can be calculated using the net force equation Fnet = ma. The force of friction is determined to be 500 N, which is incorrectly assumed to be 1/4 of the plane's weight. The correct weight of the plane is 19620 N (calculated as 2000 kg * 9.81 m/s²), making the friction force actually 4905 N. Thus, the net force acting on the plane is Fnet = 19620 N - 4905 N, leading to an acceleration of approximately 7.5 m/s².
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Why are you convinced you are missing a force?Blobikins said:What force am I missing?
You're missing the fact that 500 N is ≠ 1/4 of the weight of the plane. Remember, 2000 kg is the mass of the plane, not its weight.Blobikins said:Homework Statement
A 2000 kg plane is landing at an airfield with an initial speed of 50 m/s. The force of friction is 1/4 the weight of the plane. What is the acceleration of the plane?
Homework Equations
Fnet = ma
Fnet = something - ff
The Attempt at a Solution
2000a = thing I don't know - ff, which is 500 n
So
2000a = ? - 500N
What force am I missing?