A pilot drops a package of food and water supplies from a plane that is flying horizontally at constant speed. When the package reaches the ground, the plane's horizontal position relative to the package
A) is directly above the package.
B) is behind the package.
C) is in front of the package.
D) depends on the mass of the package.
E) is unknown; more information is needed to work out the answer.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Since the plane is flying horizontally at a constant speed and drops the package, the package will continue to move horizontally at the same speed as the plane due to inertia. Therefore, when the package reaches the ground, the plane will be directly above it.

A Pilot Drops a Package of Food and Water Supplies