How High Must the Plane Fly to Drop Supplies Accurately?

In summary, The problem involves calculating the altitude at which a plane must fly in order to successfully drop a care package into a small lake with a horizontal distance of 521 m. The plane is moving at a ground speed of 59.1 m/s and the package is designed to inflate a raft upon impact and resurface with the raft side down. The given variables are yf=0m, yi=?, Viy=?, and t=8.82s. Using the equation yf=yi+Viyt+1/2at^2, the solution is found by assuming Viy=0m/s and the altitude is calculated to be 1420.5m
  • #1
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Homework Statement



Need help solving this problem

An emergency relief plane is dropping a care package from a plane to a group of medical personnel working for a relief agency in an African village. The package is designed to land in a small lake, inflate an attached raft upon impact, and finally resurface with the raft side down. The plane will be moving horizontally with a ground speed of 59.1 m/s. The package will be dropped a horizontal distance of 521 m from the intended target location. At what altitude above the pond must the plane be flying in order to successfully accomplish this feat?

yf=0m yi=? Viy=? t=8.82s


Homework Equations


yf=yi+Viyt+1/2at^2

The Attempt at a Solution

Not sure where to go from here
 
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  • #2
Nm I solved it assuming Viy=0m/s
 

Related to How High Must the Plane Fly to Drop Supplies Accurately?

1. What is a vector projectile?

A vector projectile is an object that is launched into the air and follows a curved path due to the influence of both its initial velocity (magnitude and direction) and the force of gravity.

2. How is the initial velocity of a vector projectile determined?

The initial velocity of a vector projectile is determined by its speed and direction at the moment it is launched. This can be measured experimentally or calculated using known values such as angle of launch and acceleration due to gravity.

3. What factors affect the trajectory of a vector projectile?

The trajectory of a vector projectile is affected by the initial velocity, angle of launch, and the force of gravity. Other factors that may affect the trajectory include air resistance, wind speed and direction, and the shape and weight of the projectile.

4. How is the range of a vector projectile calculated?

The range of a vector projectile is calculated using the formula: range = (initial velocity squared x sin(2*angle of launch))/acceleration due to gravity. This formula takes into account the initial velocity, angle of launch, and force of gravity to determine the distance the projectile will travel.

5. Can a vector projectile have a negative range?

Yes, a vector projectile can have a negative range if it is launched at an angle less than 45 degrees and lands behind the point of launch. This means that the projectile did not travel as far as it was launched due to the force of gravity pulling it downwards.

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