Physics 161 Forces Homework: Calc Net Force of 340 kg Rocket Sled

  • Thread starter Thread starter Kawasaki268F
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Forces Physics
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the net force required to accelerate a 340 kg rocket sled from rest to 1900 km/h in 2.6 seconds. The context is rooted in dynamics and force calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss calculating acceleration by converting speed to meters per second and dividing by time. There is an exploration of potential errors in unit conversion and the application of the formula F = ma.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes attempts to clarify the calculations and assumptions made regarding unit conversions. Some participants are verifying the accuracy of their calculations and questioning the interpretation of squared units in the context of acceleration.

Contextual Notes

There is a focus on ensuring correct unit conversions and understanding the implications of acceleration in the calculations. Participants are navigating through potential misunderstandings related to the problem setup.

Kawasaki268F
Messages
9
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



1. A 340 kg rocket sled can be accelerated at a constant rate from rest to 1900 km/h in 2.6 s. What is the magnitude of the required net force?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


1. So I tried calculating the acceleration and multiplying it by the mass. For the acceleration I tried dividing 1900km/h by 2.6s and multiplying it by the mass however that did not work.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Kawasaki268F said:

Homework Statement



1. A 340 kg rocket sled can be accelerated at a constant rate from rest to 1900 km/h in 2.6 s. What is the magnitude of the required net force?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


1. So I tried calculating the acceleration and multiplying it by the mass. For the acceleration I tried dividing 1900km/h by 2.6s and multiplying it by the mass however that did not work.

This may sound silly, but you did convert the 1900 km/h to m/s didn't you?
 
Yes sorry I did do that, forgot to mention that above
 
C268 said:
Yes sorry I did do that, forgot to mention that above

Ok approximating

1900km/h is a little over 500 m/s

A little over 500 in 2.6 must be about 500 in 2.5 seconds so acceleration is around 200 ms-2

F = ma says 200 * 340 so approx 68 000 N

What answer did you get?
 
PeterO said:
Ok approximating

1900km/h is a little over 500 m/s

A little over 500 in 2.6 must be about 500 in 2.5 seconds so acceleration is around 200 ms-2

F = ma says 200 * 340 so approx 68 000 N

What answer did you get?

Sweet thanks! I just forgot about the squared part on 200m/s
 
Kawasaki268F said:
Sweet thanks! I just forgot about the squared part on 200m/s

Are you saying the only error you had was in the units of an answer? because none of the numbers in this problem are squared?
 

Similar threads

Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
8K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
15
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
5K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K