Conservation of Momentum Question.

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a collision between an 800 kg airplane and a stationary 1200 kg helicopter, with specific velocities and angles provided for both before and after the collision. The focus is on determining the final velocity of the helicopter using principles of conservation of momentum.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the interpretation of the angles given in the problem, particularly the significance of the 20 degrees above the horizon and how it relates to the airplane's velocity components. There is an exploration of how to break down the velocity into horizontal and vertical components.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing insights into the interpretation of the angles and the dimensionality of the collision. Some guidance has been offered regarding the breakdown of velocity components, but there is no explicit consensus on the implications of the angles involved.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted confusion regarding the distinction between angles measured above the horizon and those measured in a horizontal plane. This has led to a deeper examination of the problem's setup and assumptions.

skg94
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Homework Statement



An 800 kg airplane traveling at a velocity of 120 m/s [30o N of E @ 20o above the horizon] collides with a stationary 1200 kg helicopter. If the velocity of the airplane after the collision is 65 m/s [40o N of E @ 60o above the horizon] what is the final velocity of the helicopter?

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I don't understand what to do with the 20 degrees above the horizon part in both the parts.
 
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skg94 said:

Homework Statement



An 800 kg airplane traveling at a velocity of 120 m/s [30o N of E @ 20o above the horizon] collides with a stationary 1200 kg helicopter. If the velocity of the airplane after the collision is 65 m/s [40o N of E @ 60o above the horizon] what is the final velocity of the helicopter?

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution



I don't understand what to do with the 20 degrees above the horizon part in both the parts.
First, choose a coordinate system.

The 20° angle should allow you to find a vertical and a horizontal component of the velocity of the airplane. Then break the horizontal component into an eastward component and a northward component.

...
 
The way I read it, that is the plane's attitude. That is, it is not in level flight, but has a 20 degree angle up before the collision. The collision appears to take place in two dimensions, [STRIKE]in a vertical plane.[/STRIKE]
 
Last edited:
Isnt, 20 degree above the horizon same as 20 degree N of E? 20 degrees from 0 right
 
Nope. Angles east or west of north are in a horizontal plane. Angles above or below the horizon (itself essentially a horizontal plane) are in a vertical plane.
 
tms said:
The way I read it, that is the plane's attitude. That is, it is not in level flight, but has a 20 degree angle up before the collision. The collision appears to take place in two dimensions, in a vertical plane.
The plane of the collision may be found from the airplane's velocity vector before the collision and it's velocity vector after the collision. This plane is not vertical.
 
SammyS said:
The plane of the collision may be found from the airplane's velocity vector before the collision and it's velocity vector after the collision. This plane is not vertical.

You're right, of course, and neither is it horizontal.
 

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