Lunar lander velocity before hitting ground

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the velocity of a lunar lander just before it impacts the moon's surface, using the height equation y(t) = b - ct + dt². Participants express confusion about how to derive the velocity from the given height equation and consider using the quadratic formula to find when the lander reaches the ground. They also discuss the relevance of the standard kinematic equation y(t) = y₀ + v₀t + (1/2)at² and how to derive the velocity function v(t). Ultimately, applying the derivative v_y = dy/dt is suggested as a method to find the velocity before impact. Understanding these equations is crucial for solving the problem effectively.
Lefty9602
Messages
4
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


A lunar lander is descending toward the moon's surface. Until the lander reaches the surface, its height above the surface of the moon is given by y(t)=b−ct+dt2, where b = 770m is the initial height of the lander above the surface, c = 62.0m/s , and d = 1.02m/s2 .
Part B: What is the velocity of the lunar lander before hitting the ground?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


quadratic formula to find x intercepts. I don't know how I'm supposed to get the velocity before it hits the ground that could be at any point.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
A matter of finding the pertaining relevant equation!
Do you recognize this y(t)=b − c t + d t2 ? Or do I nudge a bit harder by pointing at ##y(t) =y_0 + v_0t + {1\over 2} a t^2 ## ? What is the corresponding ##v(t) = ... ## equation ?

If all else fails, you can also apply ##v_y = {dy\over dt}## if that's familiar to you
 
I multiplied the values first without the error limit. Got 19.38. rounded it off to 2 significant figures since the given data has 2 significant figures. So = 19. For error I used the above formula. It comes out about 1.48. Now my question is. Should I write the answer as 19±1.5 (rounding 1.48 to 2 significant figures) OR should I write it as 19±1. So in short, should the error have same number of significant figures as the mean value or should it have the same number of decimal places as...
Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'
In this question, I have a question. I am NOT trying to solve it, but it is just a conceptual question. Consider the point on the rod, which connects the string and the rod. My question: just before and after the collision, is ANGULAR momentum CONSERVED about this point? Lets call the point which connects the string and rod as P. Why am I asking this? : it is clear from the scenario that the point of concern, which connects the string and the rod, moves in a circular path due to the string...
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'
Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
Back
Top