How Is Displacement Calculated in Projectile Motion on Mars?

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Displacement in projectile motion on Mars is calculated by considering both horizontal and vertical components. The probe's telemetry readings indicate an initial altitude of 3000 m and a final touchdown altitude of 0 m, leading to a vertical displacement of 3000 m. The horizontal velocity of 53.84 m/s and the total time of descent, calculated from the telemetry intervals, are essential for determining the horizontal displacement. By applying Pythagorean theorem to combine the horizontal and vertical displacements, the total displacement can be accurately calculated. The correct magnitude of displacement between the first and last reading is 4397 m.
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Homework Statement



Telemetry for a remote space probe is the ability to measure altitude using radar. A probe with initial horizontal velocity of 53.84 m/s descends on Mars. During the landing attempt, the telemetry readings are relayed to Earth every 9.952 s. The sequence received is: 3000 m, 2921 m, 2685 m, 2291 m, 1740 m, 165.0 m, touchdown. What is the magnitude of the displacement between the first and last reading?

a. 4397 m
b. 161,521 m
c. 3536 m
d. 3000 m

Homework Equations



vy^2 = v0^2 +2ay
vy = v0y +at
x = x0 +vox*t
y = y0 + v0y*t +1/2*at^2

The Attempt at a Solution


 
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Displacement is a vector. Although you can quickly say that the horizontal component of the displacement is 3000, that is not the answer. You must use the horizontal velocity paired with the total time to find an x component of displacement. Using Pythagoras's theorem, find the hypotenuse of the two components.
 
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