Stumped on a Simple Math Calculation: Why is the Answer Double?

  • Thread starter Thread starter pkossak
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Calculation
AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around a math problem involving the landing speed of a jet airplane, where the user consistently calculates the speed as 333 km/hr instead of the correct 666 km/hr. The confusion stems from the application of kinematic equations, particularly regarding average speed and the relationship between initial and final velocities. Participants suggest that the user should derive the correct equations relating velocity, time, and displacement, emphasizing the importance of understanding uniform acceleration. The conversation highlights the need for clarity in applying these equations to avoid miscalculations. Ultimately, the correct approach involves recognizing the uniform deceleration and accurately using the kinematic equations to solve for the initial velocity.
pkossak
Messages
52
Reaction score
0
I feel like I'm losing my mind asking such an easy question, but for some reason I can't think of why the answer is double of what I'm calculating every time for this question.

After landing, a jet airplane comes to rest uniformly
(the acceleration is constant) in 11.5 seconds. The aircraft
rolls 1063.75 m. What was the landing speed? (in km/hr)

I keep getting 333 km/hr, but the answer is listed as 666 km/hr.
thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
s = average speed x time
= (vinitial + vfinal)/2 x time
 
What equation are you using? You should be able to derive the equation that relates initial velocity, final velocity, time elapsed, and displacement. From this equation, you should be able to find the initial velocity.
 
i was using x = xo + Vav*t
 
And I don't know of an equation I can use for all that without having to use acceleration.

for the Vav = .5(v +vo), I don't see how I could I plug in 333 and come out with 666, as 333 would be v, and 0 would be vo.

I can't use x = xo + vo*t + .5*a*t^2 because I don't know acceleration

why am i having all this trouble
 
Consider that the acceleration, or deceleration as the case may be, is uniform. This gives the total distance traveled as a function of acceleration and time. Hint: \ddot{x} = -a.

Then how about v_f^2 = v_i^2 + 2 a x make sure you get the magnitude of a correct.
 
If this is a college level course, you should be able to derive the right equation.

\Delta d = \int _{0} ^{T} v(t)\, dt

\Delta d = \int _{0} ^{T} v_i + at\, dt

\Delta d = v_iT + 0.5aT^2

\Delta d = v_iT + 0.5(v_f - v_i)T

\frac{\Delta d}{T} = \frac{v_f + v_i}{2}

This says that the average velocity starting from time 0 to any time T is just the average of the final and initial velocities (given constant acceleration). If this is a high school course, then you should be given this (and the other 4) kinematics equations.
 
Back
Top