Maximum Acceleration for Moon Launch

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the maximum acceleration experienced by space travelers during a hypothetical Moon launch using a cannon, as proposed by Jules Verne. The problem involves kinematic equations and the conversion of acceleration into a multiple of gravitational acceleration (g).

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the use of the kinematic equation v^2 = 1/2(a)(d) to find acceleration, questioning the correctness of the equation and the calculations involved. There are attempts to express acceleration as a multiple of g, and some participants express confusion about the steps taken.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing guidance on checking equations and calculations. There is a recognition of potential errors in the approach, and some participants are exploring different interpretations of the problem setup. One participant indicates they have resolved their confusion, but the overall consensus on the method remains unclear.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under a time constraint, as indicated by one post mentioning a deadline. There is also a focus on ensuring that the final answer is expressed in terms of g, which adds a layer of complexity to the calculations.

Kildars
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In 1865, Jules Verne proposed sending men to the Moon by firing a space capsule from a 220 m long cannon with final velocity of 10.78 km/s. What would have been the unrealistically large acceleration experienced by the space travelers during launch?

The answer needs to be in

Number times g.
g = 9.81

I tried v^2 = 1/2(a)(220)
So v^2 = 110
Square root of 110 = 10.48..
Not correct..

Don't know what to do.
 
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Kildars said:
I tried v^2 = 1/2(a)(220)
So v^2 = 110
Square root of 110 = 10.48..
Not correct..

Don't know what to do.
Don't throw away the (a) going from the first to the second line, and use the given information to calculate v^2. Then solve for (a) and express as a fraction of g. Also, check your first equation. It is not correct.
 
Last edited:
OlderDan said:
Don't throw away the (a) going from the first to the second line, and use the given information to calculate v^2. Then solve for (a) and express as a fraction of g. Also, check your first equation. It is not correct.


Right so 10,780^2 is the final velocity since the first one is in k/m?

10,780^2 = 1/2(a)(220)
10,780^2 = 110a
A = 1056440
Divided by 9.81..

107690.1121

Still incorrect.
 
Kildars said:
Still incorrect.
Perhaps because your equation is still incorrect, and you have not expressed a as a multiple of g.
 
OlderDan said:
Perhaps because your equation is still incorrect, and you have not expressed a as a multiple of g.

Can I not just divide the acceleration by g at the end and get the same answer?
 
bump..due in an hour 20 minutes ;)
 
Nevermind, got this one.
 

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