What is the acceleration of the spore during the launch and speed reduction?

  • Thread starter wbetting
  • Start date
In summary, certain mushrooms use a catapult mechanism to launch their spores by utilizing a drop of water and a film on either side of the spore. The drop's weight causes the spore to bend, but when the film reaches the drop, the drop's water spreads into the film, causing the spore to rapidly spring upward and be slung into the air at a speed of 1.70 m/s. This speed is then reduced to zero in 1.00 mm by the air. Assuming constant acceleration, the acceleration during the launch is found to be 2.9x10^4 times the acceleration due to gravity. However, when finding the acceleration during the speed reduction, the incorrect answer of 147.45 times
  • #1
wbetting
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Homework Statement


Catapulting mushrooms. Certain mushrooms launch their spores by a catapult mechanism. As water condenses from the air onto a spore that is attached to the mushroom, a drop grows on one side of the spore and a film grows on the other side. The spore is bent over by the drop's weight, but when the film reaches the drop, the drop's water suddenly spreads into the film and the spore springs upward so rapidly that it is slung off into the air. Typically, the spore reaches a speed of 1.70 m/s in a 5.10 μm launch; its speed is then reduced to zero in 1.00 mm by the air. Using that data and assuming constant accelerations, find the acceleration in terms of g during (a) the launch and (b) the speed reduction.


Homework Equations


vf^2 - vi^2 = 2 a distance
so
a = vf^2 / (2 distance)



The Attempt at a Solution


i got part a correct by doing (1.7^2)/2(5.1x10^-6) then dividing by 9.8 to get 2.9x10^4
so i thought part b for speed reduction could use same formula and velocity (1.7) but different distance now (.001m) so i did (1.7^2)/2(.001m)= 1445 then divided by 9.8 for g unit and got 147.45 and the answer is wrong! I need help!
 
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  • #2
Just forgot the - sign!
 

Related to What is the acceleration of the spore during the launch and speed reduction?

What is catapulting mushrooms?

Catapulting mushrooms is a form of biotechnology in which mushrooms are used as projectiles in a catapult or other launching device. This is often done for fun or as a scientific experiment to study the properties of mushrooms.

How do you catapult mushrooms?

To catapult mushrooms, you will need a catapult or other launching device, mushrooms, and a safe area to launch the mushrooms. Place the mushroom in the launching device and pull back the arm to create tension. Release the arm to launch the mushroom into the air.

Why do people catapult mushrooms?

People may catapult mushrooms for various reasons, such as for fun or as a scientific experiment. It can also be used as a way to study the aerodynamics and properties of mushrooms. Some people may also use it as a form of entertainment or competition.

What types of mushrooms are best for catapulting?

Any type of mushroom can be used for catapulting, but smaller, rounder mushrooms tend to work best as they are easier to launch and more aerodynamic. Mushrooms with a large, flat cap may not work as well as they can catch more wind and affect the trajectory of the launch.

Is catapulting mushrooms harmful to the mushrooms?

Catapulting mushrooms does not harm the mushrooms as long as they are handled carefully and not launched at high speeds or into hard surfaces. It is important to use fresh and intact mushrooms for catapulting to ensure their safety and effectiveness as projectiles.

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