- #1
Cheddar
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Homework Statement
A fight jet is launched from an aircraft carrier with the aid of its own engines and a steam-powered catapult. The thrust of its engines is 230,000 N. In being launched from rest it moves through a distance of 87 m and has a kinetic energy of 45,000,000 J at lift-off.
What is the work done on the jet by the catapult?
Homework Equations
Work = (Force * cos(angle)) * displacement
Work = Final Kinetic Energy - Initial Kinetic Energy
The Attempt at a Solution
My problem is that without the catapult's force, I can't do the first equation.
In using the 2nd equation, initial velocity = 0m/s, which causes the initial kinetic energy to be 0 N. If that is so, then Work = Final Kinetic Energy and the catapult does no work.
This one is driving me crazy...