Work and force (my answers keep being wrong please someone explain)

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the work done by arresting cables on a plane weighing 220 kN (25 tons) that lands on an aircraft carrier. The plane, moving at 62 m/s, comes to a stop over a distance of 88 m. The work done (W) is equivalent to the initial kinetic energy (K) of the plane, calculated using the formula K = mv² / 2. The force (F) exerted by the cables is determined using F = W / S, where S is the stopping distance. The initial calculations presented were incorrect due to unit conversion errors.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of kinetic energy calculations (K = mv² / 2)
  • Knowledge of work-energy principles in physics
  • Familiarity with unit conversions, particularly between kN and kg
  • Basic grasp of force calculations (F = W / S)
NEXT STEPS
  • Review unit conversion methods, especially for force and mass
  • Study the work-energy theorem in detail
  • Learn about the dynamics of deceleration and stopping distances
  • Explore practical applications of arresting systems in aviation
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, aerospace engineers, and professionals involved in aircraft operations and safety protocols will benefit from this discussion.

bubba640
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A plane weighing 220 kN (25 tons) lands on an aircraft carrier. The plane is moving horizontally at 62 m/s (139 mi/h) when its tailhook grabs hold of the arresting cables. The cables bring the plane to a stop in a distance of 88 m.
(a) How much work is done on the plane by the arresting cables?
MJ

(b) What is the force (assumed constant) exerted on the plane by the cables?
kN opposite the plane's direction of motion

(Note: Both answers will be underestimates, since the plane lands with the engines full throttle forward; in case the tailhook fails to grab hold of the cables, the pilot must be ready for immediate takeoff.)

how to do it

mass of the plane m = m kg
given velocity of the plane be = v m/sec
initial kinetic energy of the plane
K = mv^2 / 2
the work done by the cables in bringing the plane to rest
W = K
the force excerted by the cables
F = W / S
where S is the disatance over which the plane brought to rest .


My Work

first I converted kN to Kg by multiplying 220 kN by 101.97 kg= 22433.4 kg

then
KE= (22433.4kg)(62m/s)^2 / 2= 43116994.8

W=K but my answer was wrong

and then

43116994.8/88= 489965.85 which also was wrong

PLEASE EXPLAIN
 
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Check your unit conversions. I believe your error exists there. Remember Force is mass times the acceleration due to gravity. This mass you will need to find the kinetic energy.
 

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