Helicopter Flight and Jet Pack Adventure

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving the motion of a helicopter and a secret agent using a jet pack. The helicopter accelerates upward, and after a struggle, the agent jumps out, leading to questions about maximum height and the agent's position after deploying the jet pack.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore various kinematic equations to determine the time and distance related to the helicopter's ascent and the agent's subsequent descent.
  • Some participants express confusion over the application of equations, leading to negative results or unexpected values.
  • There are discussions about the initial conditions for the agent's motion and the effects of changing acceleration after the jump.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, sharing calculations and questioning assumptions. Some have provided partial solutions and insights, while others are still seeking clarity on specific aspects of the problem. There is a mix of correct and incorrect interpretations being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention constraints such as a looming assignment deadline and the need for accuracy in calculations. There is also a recognition of the complexity involved in the transition from the helicopter's motion to the agent's jet pack deployment.

oldspice1212
Messages
149
Reaction score
2
A helicopter carrying Dr. Evil takes off with a constant upward acceleration of 6.0m/s^2 . Secret agent Austin Powers jumps on just as the helicopter lifts off the ground. After the two men struggle for 12.0s , Powers shuts off the engine and steps out of the helicopter. Assume that the helicopter is in free fall after its engine is shut off, and ignore the effects of air resistance.

A) What is the maximum height above ground reached by the helicopter?

B) Powers deploys a jet pack strapped on his back 5.0s after leaving the helicopter, and then he has a constant downward acceleration with magnitude 1.0m/s^2. How far is Powers above the ground when the helicopter crashes into the ground?

I got A as 700m already B is the one I need...
 
Physics news on Phys.org
How did you approach part B?
 
I tried many ways I used Vf = Vi + at to try getting the time but that didn't work the time seemed to absurd and then I used Vf² = Vi² + 2ad to try getting distance but that was wrong to, kept getting negative numbers.
 
How did you apply those equations, though, and what numbers did you use?
 
Just use a few displacement functions.

0 = 432 + 72th -.5(9.8)th2 //time for helicopter to reach the ground
h = 432 - .5(9.8)52 //height at jetpack turn on
h2 = h - 49t -.5t2 //Plug in th-5s and h______________________________________
If everyone is thinking alike, then someone isn't thinking

Garrett Stauber​
 
Last edited:
I still don't have B)
 
oldspice1212 said:
I still don't have B)

The answer to b is h2. If you solve / insert your values the equations above it will give you the answer.
 
40m?
 
I got approx. 239.5 m. There was a mistake in my 2nd equation, I assumed Powers began falling at G as soon as he stepped out, however his initial velocity allows him to continue upward for a while. So you have to calculate where he will be in 5s after stepping out (using a displacement function) and his velocity after those 5s (using v = v0 + at) Hint: His V0 is 72 m/s.
.
 
  • #10
My number seems to high about 439m...
 
  • #11
I'll go through step by step then from the beginning for you.

What to find:
H1=Height at which the engine shut off
V1=Velocity at H1
H2=Maximum Height
T=Time for Helicopter to reach the ground
V2=Powers' velocity after 5s
H3=Powers' Height after 5 s
H4=Powers' Height at helicopter impact
H1=0+0(12)+.5(6)(122)=432
V1=0+(62)(12)=72
H2=Max{432+72(t)-.5(9.8)t2} = 696.5
T→ 0=432+72(t)-.5(9.8)t2 → T=19.23s
V2= 72 - 9.8(5) = 23
H3=432+72(5)-.5(9.8)(5)2 = 669.5
H4=669.5-23(19.23-5)-.5(1)(19.23-5)2=240
 
  • #12
It says 240m is wrong but I see how you got it.

Btw thanks a lot for taking time to help me, much is appreciated.

Not sure why 240m is wrong?
 
Last edited:
  • #13
I believe there is an incorrect negative sign in my last equation. See if you can find it, and try 895.5 for the answer.
 
Last edited:
  • #14
∏assignment is due in 2 hours :S ,not many tries left either, 895.5? That's higher then the max height :P, but is the negative in h4 when its -.5 should be +?
 
  • #15
That is higher than the helicopters max height, but remember his acceleration changes to -1 after 5 seconds while the helicopter acceleration stays at -9.8. Powers Max Height is actually 934, he is still climbing when the chopper hits the ground. The (-) initial velocity was incorrect.
 
  • #16
I love you so much man, 900m was correct, thank you sooooooo much! The explanations were wonderful...can't thank you enough!
THANKKKKKK YOU
THANK YOU
THANKKKKKKK YOU
THANK YOU!@$!@$!@$!@
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
Replies
1
Views
13K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
9K
Replies
9
Views
7K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
9K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Replies
13
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K