What is the acceleration and g-force of a space cannon on the moon?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the acceleration and g-forces of a hypothetical space cannon on the moon, with specific parameters including the cannon's length and velocity. The context includes physics concepts related to acceleration and gravitational forces.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between acceleration and g-forces, with some attempting to apply kinematic equations. Questions arise regarding the validity of the cannon's length and the resulting calculations of g-forces.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants confirming calculations and questioning the high values of g-forces derived. There is an exchange of ideas about the definitions and implications of g-force in relation to the calculated acceleration.

Contextual Notes

Participants note discrepancies in the expected values of acceleration and g-forces, with references to external sources like Wikipedia for clarification. The original poster expresses uncertainty about the calculations and the implications of the results.

midgetwars
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Homework Statement


What are the acceleration of the cannon and the g-forces experienced if there was a guy on it...

Cannon is 215m long

Velocity is 1.66x10^4 ms^-2

Homework Equations


V2=u2 + 2ay

The Attempt at a Solution


(1.66x104)^2=0 + 2xax215

a = (1.66x104)^2/2x215Ok... So i think that's the acceleration?? I'm not sure.
I am not completely stuck on how to the g-force...
 
Last edited:
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G force is normally acceleration compared to the Earth's gravity we experience on the surface. So if you experience 4 G's then you're being accelerated at 4*9.81 m/s^2.
 
welcome to pf!

hi midgetwars! welcome to pf! :wink:

(try using the X2 icon just above the Reply box :wink:)

yes, that's fine :smile:

the acceleration (plus 1g) is the g-force

(yes, i know it's called a force :rolleyes: … but it isn't! :biggrin:)

see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G-force" for some details, including …
The g-force (with g from gravitational) on something is its acceleration relative to free-fall.

btw, are you sure it's 215 m … that's a very long cannon!
 
Last edited by a moderator:
So the a is

so i got 26 1302.3256 ms0-2...

That means the g-forces are around 26 000 gs? That's seems to be a lot don't you think?? Also wikipedia says the acceleration isn't that high, but doesn't offer a solution


a = (1.06x104)2 / 2x215
 
Last edited:
how did you get that? :confused:

EDIT: oh you've just changed it :redface:
 
So is that right?
 
a = (1.66x104)2/2x215 is right
 
tiny-tim said:
a = (1.66x104)2/2x215 is right


so the G forces would be + 1...?
 
+ g, yes :smile:
 

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