Calculating Projectile Drop Distance for Supply Plane Delivery

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the drop distance for a package from a supply plane flying horizontally at a height of 116m and a speed of 170m/s. The context is set in a scenario where the package is to be delivered to scientists on a glacier in Greenland.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the need to find the components of velocity without a given angle, with some suggesting the assumption of horizontal flight. There is also a comparison to a previous problem, indicating a potential misunderstanding of the approach needed.

Discussion Status

Some participants have attempted to apply methods from previous problems to this one, exploring the relationship between height, time, and distance. There is an ongoing exploration of the correct approach, with some guidance being offered based on past experiences, but no consensus has been reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the lack of specific angle information and the implications of assuming horizontal flight. There is also mention of previous problems that may influence their reasoning.

aligass2004
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Homework Statement


A supply plane needs to drops a package of food to scientists working on a glacier in Greenland. The plane flies 116m above the glacier at a speeds of 170m/s. How far short of the target should it drop the package?


Homework Equations


Kinematic equations


The Attempt at a Solution


As with my other two posts, I know what I need to find. I just don't know how to go about finding it. I'm so confused about finding the components of the velocity without a given angle.
 
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aligass2004 said:

Homework Statement


A supply plane needs to drops a package of food to scientists working on a glacier in Greenland. The plane flies 116m above the glacier at a speeds of 170m/s. How far short of the target should it drop the package?


Homework Equations


Kinematic equations


The Attempt at a Solution


As with my other two posts, I know what I need to find. I just don't know how to go about finding it. I'm so confused about finding the components of the velocity without a given angle.
assume it's flying horizontally, since no other info is given.
 
I want to say that this problem is like the other one you helped me with, but I don't think that's the case.
 
aligass2004 said:
I want to say that this problem is like the other one you helped me with, but I don't think that's the case.
well, its kind of like the same, xcept in the other one, you were given x and v_x, you solved for t, then found the height. In this one, you are given h and v_y, solve for t, then find x. Sort of like the other one in reverse.
 
Ok, I used what I did in the other problem I had. You didn't help on that one. I solved for t using Yf = Yi + Vyi(t) - 1/2 g(t^2). I got 4.863s. Then I used Xf = Xi + Vx(t) to find x, which I got to be 826.71. Thank you again!
 

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