Rescue Plane: Release Angle of 57.3°

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving projectile motion, specifically the scenario of a rescue plane needing to release a capsule at the correct angle to hit a target in the water below. The plane is flying at a constant altitude of 1.2 km and a speed of 430 km/h.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the necessary variables for solving the problem, including height and speed. There are attempts to clarify the relationship between vertical and horizontal speeds and how they affect the trajectory of the capsule. Some participants question the correct speed to use and whether to consider vertical or horizontal components of motion.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing their thoughts on the problem setup and calculations. Some guidance has been offered regarding the need to consider both vertical and horizontal speeds, and there are attempts to derive the angle needed for the capsule's release. However, there is no explicit consensus on the correct approach or solution yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of a homework assignment, which may limit the information they can use or the methods they can apply. There are also indications of confusion regarding the application of physics concepts, particularly in relation to projectile motion.

stupif
Messages
99
Reaction score
1
1. a rescue plane is flying at a constant elevation of 1.2km with a speed of 430km/h toward a point directly over a person struggling in the water. at what angle of sight should the pilot release a rescue capsule if it is to strike the person in the water...answer is 57.3degreen from vectical.



2. i don't know what the question talking about. can someone explain to me( with diagram is better)?? thank you



The Attempt at a Solution

 
Physics news on Phys.org
I'd make you a diagram if I had an art program on this computer, but alas . . . here are your variables. Always remember to write your variables. It makes visualization so much easier (for me, at least).

[itex]h = 1.2km = 1200m[/itex]

[itex]v = 430km/h = 430000m/3600s \approx 120m/s[/itex]

And the question is basically asking:

A pilot is flying a plane 1200m above the ground, at a speed of 120m/s, and in front of him is a target. The pilot is tasked with dropping a supply crate directly on that target without slowing down or lowering his altitude. What angle does the pilot need to be at (in relation to the target) when he releases the crate so that it hits the mark dead on?



Keep in mind that the crate is initially moving at the same velocity as the plane, so it will carry forward when it's released. That's why there needs to be an angle of difference between the mark and the plane.

Let me know if you're with me still.
 
Last edited:
what is the speed i should take?
 
stupif said:
what is the speed i should take?

Use the speed 120m/s, but just know that I rounded that speed up from 119.444m/s.

Remember this FOREVER:

[itex]KMS[/itex]

[itex]Kilogram, Meter, Second.[/itex]


If this helps you remember:

[itex]Kiss, My, Sock[/itex]


Always use these units.
 
no~i mean i should take vertical speed or horizontal speed?
 
stupif said:
no~i mean i should take vertical speed or horizontal speed?

You need to investigate both.

Imagine dropping a ball while standing still and think about how it moves. Compare that to the motion of a ball dropped while running.

If you drop a ball while standing still, the only noticeable force acting on it is the gravitational acceleration.

And, if you drop a ball while running, the ball's path is again effected by gravity (like before), but now also your horizontal velocity.

In the second example here, both horizontal and vertical velocities change the position of the ball. Just like with the crate dropped from the plane.
 
Can I see your work on this question so far?
 
okay
1st i find vertical speed. vertical speed = 119.44/tan angle
2nd i find angle, i use this formula, v^2= u^2+2as, 0= (119.44/tan angle)^2 +2(9.8)(1200)
angle= 37.91degree from vertical
and the answer is wrong~
 
Find the time t taken by the parcel to cover 1200 m height to reach the ground. Take initial vertical velocity of the parcel zero.
Find the horizontal distance covered by the parcel before it hits the person, using x = horizontal velocity x time.
Then tanθ = x/h
 
  • #10
how to find the vertical velocity?
 
  • #11
thank you, i got it...
thank you very much...
 

Similar threads

Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
18K
Replies
4
Views
5K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
5K
Replies
21
Views
7K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K