How Long to Accelerate a Projectile to Orbital Speed?

In summary, scientists are experimenting with a type of gun that can potentially launch payloads into orbit. In one test, a 5.0 kg projectile is accelerated from rest to a speed of 4.29 km/s with a net force of 0.47 MN. To reach this speed, the projectile took approximately 0.047 seconds.
  • #1
kiwisj
1
0
Scientists are experimenting with a kind of gun that may eventually be used to fire payloads directly into orbit. In one test, this gun accelerates a 5.0 kg projectile from rest to a speed of 4.29 km s-1. The net force accelerating the projectile is 0.47 MN. How much time is required for the projectile to come up to speed? (Answer to 2 s.f.)

I have absolutely no idea how to do this...Any help is appreciated! Thanks
 
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  • #2
Welcome to PF kiwisj.

Have you learned about impulse?
Can you give a definition or some relevant formula for it? Or describe in words what it is?
What units does it have?
 
Last edited:
  • #3
F = ma
F= 0.47 MN= 4.7E5 N
m= 5 kg

Plug it in and solve for a ...

a=92000 m/s^2

Δv = a * t
Δv= 4.29km/s= 4290 m/s
a=92000 m/s^2

Solve for t and I got ...

t = 0.047s
 

Related to How Long to Accelerate a Projectile to Orbital Speed?

1. What is Net Force and how is it calculated?

Net Force is the overall force acting on an object, taking into account all individual forces acting on it. It is calculated by adding together all the individual forces in the same direction and subtracting any forces in the opposite direction.

2. How do you calculate the time it takes for an object to reach a certain distance with Net Force?

The time it takes for an object to reach a certain distance can be calculated using the equation t = √(2d/a), where t is time, d is distance, and a is the acceleration due to the Net Force acting on the object.

3. What factors affect the Net Force on an object?

The Net Force on an object is affected by its mass, the magnitude and direction of the individual forces acting on it, and the object's acceleration.

4. How does the direction of Net Force affect the motion of an object?

The direction of Net Force determines the direction in which the object will accelerate. If the Net Force is in the same direction as the object's initial motion, it will speed up. If it is in the opposite direction, the object will slow down or stop.

5. Can Net Force be negative?

Yes, Net Force can be negative if the forces acting on an object are in opposite directions. This means that the object will experience a deceleration or change in direction, depending on the magnitude of the negative Net Force.

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