Calculating Drop Timing for Airdrop Supplies in Wilderness

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the drop timing for survival supplies airdropped from a rescue plane traveling at 80.0 km/h (22.2 m/s) at an altitude of 70.0 m. The supplies are released with a vertical speed of 2.50 m/s. To determine the necessary drop distance, the time to fall 70 m is calculated to be 28 seconds, leading to a horizontal distance of 621.6 m. However, gravity's effect must be considered, necessitating a more precise calculation of the trajectory.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic kinematics, including vertical and horizontal motion.
  • Familiarity with the equations of motion, specifically x = xi + vit + (1/2)at2.
  • Knowledge of gravitational acceleration and its impact on falling objects.
  • Ability to convert units, specifically from km/h to m/s.
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate the time of flight for an object dropped from a height of 70 m considering gravitational acceleration.
  • Determine the horizontal distance traveled by the supplies during the fall using the correct time of flight.
  • Explore the effects of air resistance on projectile motion in real-world scenarios.
  • Study the principles of projectile motion to understand the combined effects of vertical and horizontal velocities.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on kinematics and projectile motion, as well as educators looking for practical examples of these concepts in action.

physicsquest
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Homework Statement


A hiker has managed to strand himself in the wilderness. A rescue plane traveling at 80.0 km/h horizontally and at an altitude of 70.0 m airdrops some survival supplies for his use. If the goods are thrown down at 2.50 m/s in the vertical direction with respect to the plane, how far in advance of the person must the drop occur so that the gear lands directly at his feet? Ignore air resistance.


Homework Equations


80 km/h= 22.2 m/s
xf= xi + vit + (1/2)at^2


The Attempt at a Solution

 
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if it goes down with constant speed 2.5m/s it is:

70/2.5 = 28 s

28 * 22.2 = 621.6
 
^ uh no, there's gravity.

The object is moving forward at 22m/s forward and 2.5m/s downward initially. So just find out how long it will take to reach the ground when dropped from 70m. Then you can find the distance it will travel in the x-dir.
 

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