Help me with basic physics? +rep

Discussion in 'General Discussions' started by PrinceErik, Mar 21, 2010.

  1. PrinceErik

    PrinceErik Level IV

    Joined:
    Jan 13, 2009
    Messages:
    889
    Likes Received:
    68
    So again, I need help with physics. It is real tough to learn because my teacher doesnt teach haha.

    First, is a problem based on the work-energy theorem and kinetic energy.

    A fighter jet is launched from an aircraft carrier with the aid of its own engines and a steam-powered catapult. The thrust of the engines is 2.3 x 10^5N. In being launched from rest it moves through a distance of 87 m and has a kinetic energy of 4.5 x 10^7 J at lift-off. What is the work done on the jet by the catapult?

    -- the answer is 2.5 x 10^7 J
    -- can anyone tell me how to get it?

    And then

    A 16kg sled is being pulled along a horizontal snow-covered ground by a horizontal force of 24 N. Starting from rest, the sled attains a speed of 2.0 m/s in 8 m. find the coefficient of kinetic friction between the runners of the sled and the snow.

    -- the answer is 0.13
    --can anyone tell me how to get it?

    +rep if you show me how to do either :)
     
  2. Zer0

    Zer0 Level IV

    Joined:
    Mar 2, 2008
    Messages:
    3,037
    Likes Received:
    180
    Location:
    Home sweet home
    1. The jet has a final kinetic energy of 4.5 x 10^7 J. The work done by the engines is F*d = (2.3 x 10^5)*87
    So

    4.5 x 10^7 = (2.3 x 10^5)*87 + Work done by the catapult
    Work done by the catapult = 2.5 x 10^7 J

    2. The final kinetic energy of the sled is KE = 1/2 mv^2 = 1/2 * 16 * 2^2. That equals the amount of work done by the person pulling - the friction (its minus because friction does "negative" work)

    So
    1/2 mv^2 = Work done by the puller - Work done by friction = F*d - F_friction*d
    1/2 * 16 * 2^2 = 24*8 - (mu*mg)*8
    32 = 192 - mu*16*10*8
    mu = 0.13
     
    WildSnorlax and PrinceErik like this.
  3. PrinceErik

    PrinceErik Level IV

    Joined:
    Jan 13, 2009
    Messages:
    889
    Likes Received:
    68
    Thanks a ton zero. I was just making those wayy harder than they needed to be lol