Solving for Relative Velocity: Helicopter and Ejected Package Collision

In summary, the problem involves a helicopter flying horizontally at 8.1 m/s with a package of emergency medical supplies being ejected backward at 13 m/s relative to the helicopter. Ignoring air resistance, the horizontal distance between the package and the helicopter when the package hits the ground can be calculated using kinematic equations. By calculating the time it takes for the package to hit the ground and using the velocities of the package and helicopter, the horizontal distance can be found.
  • #1
mcjohnst
1
0
"A helicopter is flying horizontally at 8.1 m/s and an altitude of 16 m when a package of emergency medical supplies is ejected horizontally backward with a speed of 13 m/s relative to the helicopter. Ignoring air resistance, what is the horizontal distance between the package and the helicopter when the package hits the ground?"

Any help at how to tackle this problem would be appreciated. I know it involves using a string of kinematic equations, but I'm having trouble with the velocity.
 
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  • #2
Well, if the helicopter were moving 100 m/s relative to Earth and shot the package at the same speed as before (13 m/s relative to itself), how would the distance change?
 
  • #3
mcjohnst said:
"A helicopter is flying horizontally at 8.1 m/s and an altitude of 16 m when a package of emergency medical supplies is ejected horizontally backward with a speed of 13 m/s relative to the helicopter. Ignoring air resistance, what is the horizontal distance between the package and the helicopter when the package hits the ground?"

Any help at how to tackle this problem would be appreciated. I know it involves using a string of kinematic equations, but I'm having trouble with the velocity.



well its quite simple. ... take the vel of package in the backward hor. dir to b v=8.1+13=21.1m/s
H=16m
16=1/2*9.8*t*t evaluate t from this eqn.
d1=diatance traveled by the package in the hor. dir=v*t
d2=dist. traveled by the helicopter in the hor. dir.=8.1*t
hor. dist. bet the two when the package hits ground=d1+d2.

bye
 

1. What is relative velocity and how is it different from regular velocity?

Relative velocity is the velocity of an object in relation to another object. It takes into account the motion of both objects and is different from regular velocity, which only considers the motion of one object.

2. How do you calculate relative velocity?

To calculate relative velocity, you must first determine the velocities of both objects in their respective reference frames. Then, you can use the formula v = v2 - v1 to find the relative velocity, where v2 is the velocity of the first object and v1 is the velocity of the second object.

3. How does relative velocity affect collisions?

Relative velocity plays a crucial role in determining the outcome of collisions between objects. The relative velocity at the point of impact can determine the direction and magnitude of the resulting forces and can help predict the outcome of the collision.

4. Can relative velocity be negative?

Yes, relative velocity can be negative. This occurs when the second object is moving in the opposite direction of the first object, resulting in a negative value for the relative velocity.

5. How is relative velocity used in real-world applications?

Relative velocity is used in various real-world applications, such as in navigation systems, space travel, and sports. It helps determine the speed and direction of objects in motion and is essential for predicting and avoiding collisions.

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