Force Calculation: Incorrect Result

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    Calculation Force
AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the work done on a jet fighter during its launch from an aircraft carrier. Initially, the user incorrectly calculated force instead of work, using the formula for force with kinetic energy and distance. It was clarified that the correct approach involves using the change in kinetic energy to determine work done, not force. The user acknowledged the mistake and confirmed that the correct understanding resolved the issue. The focus remains on the distinction between work and force in the context of physics problems.
Alexandra Fabiello
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Homework Statement
Jet fighter planes are launched from aircraft carriers with the aid of their own engines and a catapult. If in the process of being launched from rest, the thrust of a jet's engines is 2.10 * 10^5 N and after moving through a distance of 90 m the plane lifts off with a kinetic energy of 4.20 * 10^7 J, what is the work done on the jet by the catapult?
Relevant Equations
Work total = change in kinetic energy
force = change in kinetic energy / change in distance
force = 4.2e7 J/90 m = 466666.6667 N
this minus 2.10e5 = 2.57e5 N rounded
This is incorrect, so I'm probably missing a formula or something.
 
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Alexandra Fabiello said:
Homework Statement: Jet fighter planes are launched from aircraft carriers with the aid of their own engines and a catapult. If in the process of being launched from rest, the thrust of a jet's engines is 2.10 * 10^5 N and after moving through a distance of 90 m the plane lifts off with a kinetic energy of 4.20 * 10^7 J, what is the work done on the jet by the catapult?
Homework Equations: Work total = change in kinetic energy
force = change in kinetic energy / change in distance

force = 4.2e7 J/90 m = 466666.6667 N
this minus 2.10e5 = 2.57e5 N rounded
This is incorrect, so I'm probably missing a formula or something.
You are asked for the work done, not the force.
 
haruspex said:
You are asked for the work done, not the force.

Whoops, I mixed up 'change in kinetic energy' with force somehow.

Thanks, that worked!
 
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