How High and Far Does a Spring-Propelled Space Shuttle Travel?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the maximum height and horizontal distance traveled by the Lower Machiavellian Space Shuttle, which has a mass of 3500 kg and utilizes a spring with a spring constant of 1600 N/m. The spring is compressed by 450 m on a frictionless ramp inclined at 45 degrees and with a height of 30 m. The calculations reveal that the shuttle reaches a maximum height of approximately 2375 m and a horizontal distance of 303.2 m, although the height appears unrealistic, indicating potential errors in the calculations.

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Homework Statement


The Lower Machiavellian Space Shuttle, having a total mass of 3500kg, is about to make its' debut launch. Rather then using a rocket engine to launch the shuttle, the Machiavellianans' use a large compressed spring, having a spring constant of 1600N/m. If the spring can be com[pressed by a distance of 450m and if the launching ramp is frictionless, calculate
a)the max height the space shuttle obtains, and
b)the horizontal distance the shuttle lands, as measured from the base of the ramp

*also the ramp is 45 degrees and has a height of 30m

Homework Equations


Ee=1/2kx^2
Ek=1/2mv^2
Eg=mgh

The Attempt at a Solution


Etot=Etot'
Ee=Ek+Eg
1/2kx^2=1/2mv^2+mgh
.5(1600)(450^2)=.5(3500)(v^2)+3500(9.8)(30)
162,000,000=1750v^2+1,029,000
162,000,000-1,029,000=1750v^2
160,971,000/1750=v^2
v^2=91983.4
v=303.2

from there I did sin(45)*303.2 which gave me a horz and vert speed of 214.4

vert:
1/2mv^2=mgh *im assuming 30m is ground level*
.5(214.4^2)(3500)=3500(9.8)(h)
80442880=34300h
h=80442880/34300
h=2345.27+30=2375
*that height seems very unrealistic so I'm assuming I did something wrong
 
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here*horz:v=d/t303.2=d/td=303.2tI'm not sure how to calculate t in this case so I'm assuming I'm wrong here too
 

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