Solving Motion Problems: V.Confused Homework Statement

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The discussion revolves around solving a physics homework problem involving an aircraft's acceleration and required runway length for takeoff. The thrust provided by the engines is 2.1 x 10^5 N, and the aircraft mass is 5.8 x 10^4 kg, leading to an initial acceleration calculation using Newton's second law (F=ma). After determining the acceleration as 3.6 m/s², the next step involves calculating the time to reach the takeoff speed of 85 m/s and then using that time to find the runway length with the appropriate motion equations. Participants clarify the distinction between initial and final velocities, emphasizing the need to rearrange equations correctly to solve for time and distance. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding motion equations in physics problem-solving.
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Homework Statement


An aircraft of mass 5.8 x 10^4 kg stands at the end of the runway ready for take-off. The engines provide a constant total thrust of 2.1 x 10^5N

i)Calculate the initial acceleration in ms-2 of the aircraft as it starts to move

ii) Calculate the length in m of runway needed for the aircraft to reach its take off speed of 85 ms-1 , assuming acceleration is constant

Homework Equations


Motion Equations

v = u + at
s = (u + v)/2 * t
s = ut + 1/2*at^2


The Attempt at a Solution



The answer is 3.6ms to part i) but i can't seem to get anywhere near that.
I really don't know where to start.
Do i square both numbers and square root it? I just need a guide to lead me what info i have and what info i need.

thank you
 
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Part (i) Have you tried F=ma ?
 
Newton's 2nd law, F=ma
 
for i) use f=ma you know the force from thrust and the mass of the object so rearrange to give
a=f/m
that will give you your acceleration then substitute that into you motion equations
you have a, u and v. you want to find t
v=u+at
rearrange to give t
 
wow..
i just figured it out myself just then.

i look very stupid now :\

Ok i got part i) done but what about part ii) ?
 
read above
 
Marshall10488 said:
for i) use f=ma you know the force from thrust and the mass of the object so rearrange to give
a=f/m
that will give you your acceleration then substitute that into you motion equations
you have a, u and v. you want to find t
v=u+at
rearrange to give t

Ok so i got these

a: 3.6ms
u: 85ms
v: 0ms?
t: ?

Is that the right layout?
But why would you want to find 't'? when your asked to find the 'length' ?
I assume you get the value for 't' and substitute into s=ut+0.5at^2?

Ps. How do you distinguish something as an initial velocity(u) and final velocity(v)?
Eg. The take off speed of 85ms in the question.
 
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There is another of the motion equations with V,U,a and distance.
 
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