How Do You Solve a Grade 11 Physics Projectile Motion Problem?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on solving a Grade 11 physics problem involving projectile motion, specifically calculating the time it takes for supplies dropped from an airplane to reach the ground and the distance from a target "X" for the drop. The key formulas used include the equations of motion for vertical displacement and horizontal distance. The time to fall 150 meters is calculated to be approximately 5.53 seconds, and the horizontal distance required for the drop is determined to be 276.5 meters, assuming a constant forward velocity of 50.0 m/s.

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  • Understanding of projectile motion principles
  • Familiarity with kinematic equations
  • Knowledge of gravitational acceleration (g = 9.8 m/s²)
  • Basic algebra skills for solving equations
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  • Learn how to apply the concept of vertical and horizontal motion separately
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kathy
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I'm taking grade 11 physics online for the summer time. I have a problem with this question :] An airplane flying at 50.0m/s is bringing food and emergency first aid supplies to a camp. The plane is for the pilot to drop the supplies so that they land on an "X" marked on the ground 150m below. How long will it take the supplies to fall to the ground? How far in front of the "X" should the pilot release the supplies so that they land directly on the "X?"

I just want to know the formula that I should use. Sorry. I'm just really confused. Physics is my worst subject but I wanted to get it over with during the summer so that I could have some room for other courses during the year.


Thanks for your help :approve:
 
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Well, I can hint at the formulas (you need two different ones!) you need.

1. The package will continue to move forward at 50.0 m/s. The forward velocity is constant.

2. The package will accelerate downward at g. Your textbook probably defines g as either 9.8 m/s^2 or 10 m/s^2. The downward acceleration (but not velocity) is constant.
 
kathy said:
I'm taking grade 11 physics online for the summer time. I have a problem with this question :] An airplane flying at 50.0m/s is bringing food and emergency first aid supplies to a camp. The plane is for the pilot to drop the supplies so that they land on an "X" marked on the ground 150m below. How long will it take the supplies to fall to the ground? How far in front of the "X" should the pilot release the supplies so that they land directly on the "X?"

I just want to know the formula that I should use. Sorry. I'm just really confused. Physics is my worst subject but I wanted to get it over with during the summer so that I could have some room for other courses during the year.


Thanks for your help :approve:

Welcome to the PF Kathy.

Per the PF rules (please see Site Info at the top of the page), you need to show your work in order for us to provide tutorial help. Please use the hints you've been given to start working out the math of the solution. Please post your work so that we can help you.

Please also in the future, use the Homework Help Template that you are provided when posting a new thread in the HH forums. The Template will help you to organize your thoughts, and will help us to help you.

Thank you.
 
Problem Solving

Sorry I didn't problem solve before but I'll make sure to the next time I post a thread.
Here's my problem solving.
a. How long will it take the supplies to fall to the ground? (You can ignore the effect of air resistance).
d= -150m
v1= 50m/s
a= 9.8m/s2
d = (v) (t) + (a) (t2) /2
t= (2) (d) / a
t= square root of (2) (-150) / -9.8m/s2
t= square root of -300/ -9.8m/s2
t= square root of 30.6122449
t= 5.53s
v2= v1+ (a) (t)
v2= 0 + (-9.8m/s2) (5.53s)
v2= -54.194
v2= -54.2m/s
Therefore it will take the supplies approximately 5.53s to hit the "X" marked on the ground 150m below.
b. How far in front of the "X" should the pilot release the supplies so that they land directly on the "X"?
t= 5.53s
v1= 50m/s
acceleration = 0m/s2
displacement = ?
d= (v) (t)
d= (50m/s)(5.53s)
d= 276.5
d= 276.5
Therefore in order for the pilot to release the supplies so that they land directly on the "X" the pilot should release it about 276.5 m away from the "X".

I think I messed up with part b) but I'm alright with part a).
 
I think your part a is not correct ,initial velocity in y direction is zero.The given velocity is velocity of particle in x direction .This is a problem of projectile motion(Motion in two dimensions).
Try to find time required to hit the ground(take u=0 in part a ) and multiply this time with horizontal velocity to get answer.
 
Last edited:

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