How Far Should a Pilot Release a Bomb to Hit a Target?

  • Thread starter Thread starter MorganJ
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving projectile motion, specifically the scenario of a pilot releasing a bomb from an airplane to hit a target on the ground. The airplane is flying horizontally at a specified speed and altitude, and participants are exploring how to determine the correct horizontal distance for the bomb release.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to identify the appropriate kinematic equations to use for the problem. There is discussion about the initial conditions of the bomb's motion, including its horizontal and vertical components. Questions are raised about the clarity of the equations and the process for finding the time of flight and horizontal distance.

Discussion Status

The discussion is progressing with participants clarifying their understanding of the problem setup and equations. Some guidance has been offered regarding the equations of motion, particularly focusing on the horizontal motion and the need to determine the time of flight. There is an ongoing exploration of the relationships between the variables involved.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the assumption that the ground is level and that the only force acting on the bomb after release is gravity. There is mention of a review packet and a specific answer, which may influence the expectations of the participants.

MorganJ
Messages
32
Reaction score
0
An airplane flies horizontally with a speed of 300 m/s at an altitude of 400 m. Assume the ground is level. What horizontal distance from a target must the pilot release a bomb so as to hit the target? I know the answer is 2.7 km because it is or a review packet prior to a big test however, I do not know how my teacher got the problem.



Is it x=1/2at^2+volt?
I am confused!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
To pick appropriate kinematic equations, first take an inventory of what we know about the bomb:
[let's assert that (x,y,t) = (0,0,0) = position and moment in xy-plane when bomb is released]
vx(0) = 300 m/s
vx(t) = 300 m/s
vy(0) = 0 m/s
T = time from bomb release to target impact
y(T) = -400 m
ay = -9.8 m/s²
ax = 0 m/s²

What are we looking for:
T
x(T)

Is this clear so far?
 
Yes, this is clear. So we have do we do x=1/2at^2+volt?
 
Your x-axis equation boils down to x(T) = vx(0)T because ax is zero. Need to find T. Can you apply the y-axis version of your equation and see where it takes you?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Replies
21
Views
7K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
Replies
3
Views
6K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
6K
Replies
7
Views
10K