Free Fall/Constant Acceleration Problem

  • Thread starter Thread starter cheerspens
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Acceleration
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving a physics problem involving a rocket ship accelerating at 9.8 m/s². The user calculated the time to reach one-tenth the speed of light (30,000,000 m/s) and the distance traveled during that time. The initial calculations yielded a time of 3,061,224.49 seconds and a distance of 4.59 x 10^13 meters. However, a correction was noted, indicating that the time calculation was off by a factor of 10, which subsequently affected the distance calculation by a factor of 100.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of kinematic equations, specifically V=Vo+at and X=Xo+Vo*t+(1/2)(a)(t)
  • Basic knowledge of constant acceleration concepts in physics
  • Familiarity with the speed of light (3.0 x 10^8 m/s) and its significance in physics
  • Ability to perform unit conversions and handle scientific notation
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the derivation and application of kinematic equations in constant acceleration scenarios
  • Learn about relativistic effects when approaching the speed of light
  • Explore the implications of acceleration in space travel and its calculations
  • Practice solving similar physics problems involving acceleration and distance
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, educators teaching kinematics, and anyone interested in the principles of motion under constant acceleration.

cheerspens
Messages
92
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


A rocket ship in free space travels with a constant acceleration equal to 9.8m/s^s.
a)If it starts from rest how long does it take to reach a velocity of one tenth of the speed of light? Note: The speed of light in a vacuum is 3.0 x 10^8 m/s.
b)How far will it travel during this time?


Homework Equations


V=Vo+at
X=Xo+volt+(1/2)(a)(t)


The Attempt at a Solution


I started with making a variable list:
a=9.8 t=?
Vo=0 Xo=0
V=30,000,000 X=?

I plugged these values into the equation I mentioned in # 2.
The answers I got are:
a) 3061224.49sec
b)4.59 x 10^13
I wasn't sure how to do this and gave it a shot. Could you please explain.
Thanks!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Your method is fine, but be careful with decimal points. Your answer for (a) is off by a factor of 10, making (b) off by a factor of 100.
 

Similar threads

Baseball in the air 2D motion question
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Is Free Fall Acceleration Constant Until An Object Hits the Ground?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
1-D Kinematics Problem (Running to catch up to a bus)
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
5K
How to Determine Acceleration from Distance in Constant Acceleration Problems
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Reasoning/evaluation: Free fall motion with constant acceleration
  • · Replies 28 ·
Replies
28
Views
3K
How far does the police car travel to catch a speeder traveling at 180 km/hr?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
What Is the Height of the Tower?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Motion along a straight line (Finding acceleration).
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
8K
When is the acceleration due to gravity negative and when is it positive?
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
6K
Relating acceleration to distance and time
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K