AP Physics 1 Kinematics problem

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SUMMARY

The kinematics problem involves Luke Skywalker approaching the Death Star in an X-Wing at 500 m/s and firing retro rockets that produce a reverse acceleration of -160 m/s² when he is 800 meters away. The correct distance from the Death Star when he fires his blasters is 19 meters. The initial attempt at the solution incorrectly calculated the distance as 1581.25 meters due to misinterpretation of the equation and the signs involved in the kinematic formula v² = 2(a)(d - do) + vo².

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Homework Statement


Luke Skywalker is making a diving run at the Death Star, approaching in his X-Wing at a rate of 500m/s. (The Death star is hollow, so it has almost no gravity.) Suddenly, at 800 meters from the Death Star, Luke fires his retro rockets. This creates a reverse acceleration of 160m/s^2, and when he reaches the nearest point, he fires his blasters. Then the X-wing begins moving away again, still powered by the retro rockets.
a.) How close will Luke be to the Death Star when he fires his blasters?

The ANswer is 19m, however, I keep getting it wrong. I am not sure where I made a mistake.

Do= 800m
D= ?
Vo= 500 m/s
V = 0
a = -160m/s^2

Homework Equations


v2= 2(a)(d-do )+ vo2

3. The Attempt at a Solution
0= 2(-160)(d-800) + 5002
0= -320(d-800) + 250,000
0= -320d+256000 + 250000
320d= 506000
d=1581.25[/B]
 
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pow said:
0= 2(-160)(d-800) + 5002
How should d compare to 800? That is, is d larger or smaller than 800? With that in mind, what is the overall sign of the first term 2(-160)(d-800)? Can the equation be satisfied when the first term has this sign?
 
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