An airplane that is flying level needs to accelerate from a speed of 2.00 × 10² m/s to a speed of 2.40 × 10² m/s while it flies a distance of 1.20 km. What must be the acceleration of the plane? A) 4.44 m/s² B) 2.45 m/s² C) 7.33 m/s² D) 5.78 m/s² E) 1.34 m/s²

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

We can use the following kinematic equation to solve for acceleration (a):

v^2 = u^2 + 2as

Where:
v = final velocity = 2.40 × 10^12 m/s
u = initial velocity = 2.00 × 10^12 m/s
s = distance = 1.20 km = 1.20 × 10^3 m

Rearranging the equation to solve for a, we get:

a = (v^2 - u^2) / 2s
a = [(2.40 × 10^12 m/s)^2 - (2.00 × 10^12 m/s)^2] / (2 × 1.20 × 10^3 m)
a = 7.33 m/s^2

Therefore, the acceleration of the plane is 7.33 m/s^2, which is option C.

An Airplane That Is Flying Level Needs to Accelerate from a Speed