Total energy of an airplane, work done against air resistance

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the work done against air resistance by an airliner during its climb to cruising altitude. It includes considerations of total energy, potential energy, and kinetic energy at different stages of flight.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between total energy, work done by engines, and work against air resistance, questioning the setup of the equation used to relate these quantities.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered insights into the equations being used, while others are questioning the correctness of the original poster's approach and calculations. There is an ongoing exploration of the assumptions made in the problem setup.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of correctly applying the relationship between energy, power, and time, as well as the need to clarify the equation structure used in the calculations.

furor celtica
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Homework Statement



An airliner of mass 300 tonnes is powered by four engines, each developing 15 000 kW. Its speed at take-off is 75 m(s^1), and it takes 11 minutes to reach its cruising speed of 210 m(s^1) at a height of 10 000 metres. Calculate the work done against air resistance during the climb.




Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



Alright so I have reasoned that (total energy at take-off)+(work done by engines)+(W, work done against air resistance)=(total energy at 10 000 metres) and that:
Total energy at take-off = PE +KE = 0 + (0.5 x 300 000 x (75^2))
Work done by engines (in 11 minutes) = (60 000 000)/(660)
Total energy at 10 000 metres = PE + KE = (10 000 x 300 000g) + (0.5 x 300 000 x (210^2))
G=10

Which makes W (work done against air resistance) = ((10 000 x 300 000 x 10) + (0.5 x 300 000 x ((210^2)) – (0.5 x 300 000 x (75^2)) – ((60 000 000)/(660))) = 3.58 x (10^10) J correct to 3 s.f.

However, the correct answer is 3.83 x (10^9) J.
What mistake(s) did I make?
 
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furor celtica said:
(total energy at take-off)+(work done by engines)+(W, work done against air resistance)=(total energy at 10 000 metres)

I think that the above equation must be

(total energy at take-off)+(work done by engines) = (W, work done against air resistance) + (total energy at 10 000 metres)
 
furor celtica said:
Work done by engines (in 11 minutes) = (60 000 000)/(660)

Note that Energy = Power x time
 
thanks!
 

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