What Is the Landing Distance of the Enmeshed Spy Plane and Rocket?

In summary, the conversation discusses a military test involving a 575 kg spy plane traveling north at 450 m/s and a 1280 kg rocket traveling east at 725 m/s. After the two objects become enmeshed, the distance from the point of impact to the ground is calculated using conservation of momentum and the pythagorean theorem. The resulting answer is not correct, leading to further discussion and questioning of potential mistakes.
  • #1
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In a military test, a 575 kg unmanned spy plane is traveling north at an altitude of 2700 m and a speed of 450 m/s. It is intercepted by a 1280 kg rocket traveling east at 725 m/s. If the rocket and spy plane become enmeshed in a tangled mess, how far from the point of impact do they hit the ground?

O.K. I take the plane is traveling northward parrallel to the ground. Conservation of momentum- and pythagorean theorum yields-
sqrt((1280 x 725)^2+(450 x 575)^2) = (1280 +575)V
Solving for V gives 519.35, and it is now a projectile motion. Solving for the time would give
-2700 = -4.905t^2
which gives time 23.46
then, I multiplied velocity x time, which gave 1.22 x 10^4, which was not the right answer. Then I saw it said distance from explosion, so it would be the hypotenuse of a 1.22 x 10^4 by 2700 triangle, giving 1.25 x 10^4.. which was still not the right answer. Anyone see where I may have gone wrong?
 
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  • #2
I don't see any mistakes. What did they give as the answer?
 
  • #3
I didn't check your work on the pythagorean theorem. Otherwise, everything else looked fine to me... I'm scratching my head as well, except that the rocket sounds a bit heavy...

If you know the correct answer, perhaps the problem can be worked backward?
 

FAQ: What Is the Landing Distance of the Enmeshed Spy Plane and Rocket?

What is the "Spy Plane Momentum Problem"?

The "Spy Plane Momentum Problem" is a theoretical physics problem that involves calculating the momentum of a spy plane as it flies at a constant velocity and altitude. It is often used as an example in physics classes to demonstrate the principles of momentum and its conservation.

What is momentum and why is it important?

Momentum is a measure of an object's motion, and is defined as the product of its mass and velocity. It is important because it is a fundamental quantity in physics and plays a crucial role in the laws of motion, such as the conservation of momentum.

How is the momentum of a spy plane calculated?

The momentum of a spy plane can be calculated by multiplying its mass by its velocity. In the "Spy Plane Momentum Problem", the mass and velocity are given, and the momentum can be calculated using the formula p = mv.

Does the momentum of a spy plane change over time?

In the "Spy Plane Momentum Problem", the momentum of the spy plane remains constant since it is flying at a constant velocity. However, in real-world scenarios, the momentum of a moving object can change due to external forces such as air resistance or gravity.

Can momentum be transferred between objects?

Yes, momentum can be transferred between objects through collisions or interactions. According to the law of conservation of momentum, the total momentum of a closed system remains constant, meaning that the momentum lost by one object must be gained by another object.

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