Projectile Motion Calculation: Battleship vs Corvette

What is the time it takes for the battleship's projectile to reach the corvette?

Given that the distance between the battleship and the corvette is 2,150 meters, how can we calculate the time of flight for the projectile?

Time of Flight Calculation:

The time it takes for the battleship's projectile to reach the corvette is approximately 20.9 seconds.

Projectile motion involves the motion of an object launched into the air and influenced by gravity. In this scenario, the battleship is trying to target the corvette. To calculate the time it takes for the battleship's projectile to reach the corvette, we need to consider the vertical motion of the projectile.

Since the initial vertical velocity of the projectile is assumed to be zero as it is launched horizontally, we can use the equation for vertical displacement:

(1/2) * g * t^2 = de

Where:

  • de is the vertical displacement (2,150 meters)
  • g is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.8 m/s^2)
  • t is the time of flight

Solving for t:

t = sqrt((2 * de) / g)

Substituting the given values:

t = sqrt((2 * 2150) / 9.8)

Calculating the value of t:

t ≈ 20.9 seconds

Projectile motion calculations are fundamental in scenarios involving objects in motion affected by gravity. By understanding the equations and principles behind projectile motion, we can accurately predict the time it takes for projectiles to reach their targets.

← High school physics understanding kinematics and projectile motion Electrical transformers in a factory understanding their role →