Magnitude & Direction

In summary, a plane flying east at 36.0 m/s drops a bale of hay weighing 161 N from an altitude of 52.8 m. To find the momentum of the bale before it hits the ground, we can use the formula momentum = mass * velocity. To find the mass, we can use the formula mass = weight/gravity, where weight is given in Newtons and gravity is 9.8 m/s^2.
  • #1
itsmarasilly
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0

Homework Statement



An animal-rescue plane flying due east at 36.0 m/s drops a bale of hay from an altitude of h = 52.8 m, as shown below. If the bale of hay weighs F = 161 N, what is the momentum of the bale the moment before it strikes the ground? Give both magnitude and direction.

Homework Equations


momentum = mass * velocity
Newtons = Kg m/s


The Attempt at a Solution


how would I converted 161 N to Kg m/s to simply solve mass * velocity?
 
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  • #2
I think if you change around the weight formula you should be able to find the mass. W= mass x gravity. Therefore, if you change the equation to be mass = weight/gravity, you should be able to find it.
 
  • #3


As a scientist, it is important to use the correct units in calculations. In this case, the unit of force (N) cannot be directly converted to the unit of momentum (Kg m/s). However, we can use the equation for momentum, p = m * v, where m is the mass and v is the velocity, to calculate the momentum of the bale.

To find the mass, we can use the weight of the bale (161 N) and the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s^2). Using the equation F = m * a, we can rearrange to solve for mass: m = F/a. In this case, the mass of the bale is approximately 16.4 kg.

Now, we can use the given velocity of 36.0 m/s to calculate the momentum of the bale. Plugging in the values to the equation p = m * v, we get a momentum of approximately 590.4 kg m/s.

Since momentum is a vector quantity, we need to include both magnitude and direction in our answer. The magnitude of the momentum is 590.4 kg m/s, and the direction can be stated as due east, as the bale was dropped from a plane flying due east.

In conclusion, the momentum of the bale the moment before it strikes the ground is approximately 590.4 kg m/s due east.
 

What is magnitude?

Magnitude refers to the size or quantity of a physical quantity, such as force, velocity, or acceleration. It is typically represented as a numerical value and a unit of measurement.

What is direction?

Direction refers to the orientation or path of a physical quantity. It is often represented using an arrow or vector pointing in a specific direction.

How are magnitude and direction related?

Magnitude and direction are two components that make up a vector quantity. They are interdependent on each other, meaning that a change in one will affect the value and direction of the other.

How is magnitude and direction measured?

Magnitude is typically measured using a scale or instrument specific to the physical quantity being measured. Direction is often measured using angles or compass directions relative to a reference point.

Why is it important to understand magnitude and direction?

Magnitude and direction are essential in understanding and describing the behavior of physical quantities. They allow scientists to make accurate predictions and calculations, and are fundamental in many scientific fields, such as physics, engineering, and geology.

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