Vertical motion with constant acceleration

[Kajayacht]

Homework Statement

A research balloon of total mass 410 kg is descending vertically with a downward acceleration of 1.0 m/s2. How much ballast must be thrown from the car to give the balloon an upward acceleration equal to 1.6 m/s2, presuming that the upward lift of the balloon does not change.

Homework Equations

B-w=m*a
w=mg

The Attempt at a Solution

w= 410*9.8
w= 4018 N

B-4018 = 410*-1
B=3608

3608-m{2}*9.8= m{2}*1.6
2255= m{2}+9.8m{2}
2255= 10.8m{2}
m{2} = 208.80
410-208.80= 201.2kg

 

[PhanthomJay]

Homework Statement

A research balloon of total mass 410 kg is descending vertically with a downward acceleration of 1.0 m/s2. How much ballast must be thrown from the car to give the balloon an upward acceleration equal to 1.6 m/s2, presuming that the upward lift of the balloon does not change.

Homework Equations

B-w=m*a
w=mg

The Attempt at a Solution

w= 410*9.8
w= 4018 N

B-4018 = 410*-1
B=3608

3608-m{2}*9.8= m{2}*1.6
2255= m{2}+9.8m{2}your algebra is wrong. Should be 3608 = 11.4m{2}[/color]
2255= 10.8m{2}
m{2} = 208.80
410-208.80= 201.2kg

Your method is good. Check your math error as noted above.