Projectile Motion airplane engine question

In summary, the problem involves an airplane flying at a speed of 1000 km/h when an engine falls off and takes 30 seconds to hit the ground. Using the kinematic equation d=5t², it can be shown that the airplane is 4.0 km high and the horizontal distance the engine falls is 8400 m. At the moment the engine hits the ground, it is in the same position as the airplane's velocity in the horizontal direction is the same as the engine's.
  • #1
LoveKnowledge
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1. You're in an airplane that flies horizontally with speed 1000 km/h (280 m/s) when an engine falls off. Neglecting air resistance, assume it takes 30 s for the engine to hit the ground.

a. Show that the airplane is 4.0 km high.

b. Show that the horizontal distance that the aircraft engine falls is 8400 m

c. If the airplane somehow continues to fly as if nothing had happened, where is the engine relative to the airplane at the moment the engine hits the ground?



I am confused! I need help with this problem and the steps to formulate the solutions..
 
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  • #2
When the engine detaches from the plane, its velocity in the horizontal direction is the velocity of the plane. But its velocity in the vertical direction id zero.
So what is the kinematic equation which relates the displacement, initial velocity, acceleration and time?
 
  • #3
d=5t² ? I am just really confused about this question. I have been studying physics for several hours now and my brain is just not comprehending this for some reason when I know it should...
 
  • #4
I understand the "c" part of the problem but I am still confused with "a" and "b" I know the equation d=5t² but there needs to be a further extension of this equation. I am just stuck with how I would show parts "a" and "b" with the question that it is asking me..
 
  • #5
Ok I figured out for part "b" I did not need a simple equation...I really am brain dead right now! lol...280 m/s x 30 s = 8400 m

For part "a" I plugged into the equation for "d=5t² = 4 km= 5*30s²" but I don't know if I am correct..
 
  • #6
d = 4.9*30^2 = 4481 m =~ 4 km.

Horizontal distance = 280*30 = ?
 

FAQ: Projectile Motion airplane engine question

1. How does the airplane engine affect projectile motion?

The airplane engine does not have a direct impact on projectile motion. Projectile motion is determined by an object's initial velocity, angle of launch, and the force of gravity. The airplane engine only provides thrust to keep the airplane moving forward.

2. Can the airplane engine cause the projectile to change direction?

No, the airplane engine does not have the ability to change the direction of the projectile. Once an object is in motion, it will continue to move in a straight line unless acted upon by an external force.

3. Does the altitude of the airplane affect the projectile's trajectory?

Yes, the altitude of the airplane can affect the projectile's trajectory. The higher the altitude, the longer the projectile's flight time will be due to less air resistance. However, the force of gravity remains constant and will still impact the projectile's trajectory.

4. How does air resistance affect projectile motion in an airplane?

Air resistance, also known as drag, can affect the speed and distance of a projectile in an airplane. As the airplane moves through the air, it creates a force that opposes the motion of the projectile. This can decrease the distance and speed of the projectile.

5. What is the maximum height a projectile can reach on an airplane?

The maximum height a projectile can reach on an airplane depends on the initial velocity, angle of launch, and the force of gravity. It is possible for a projectile to reach the same altitude as the airplane, but it will eventually come back down due to the force of gravity.

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