Question

A rescue plane has to drop supplies to a group of castaways who are stranded on a deserted island. The plane is flying as 150 m/s at a level altitude of 1200 m. How far ahead of the landing zone should the plane release the supplies?

I'm not even sure how to start this one. Could someone maybe tell me which step(s) I need to take?

Answer 1

Compute the time T required for the package to reach the ground, using
(1/2) gT^2 = H (altitude)
T = sqrt (2H/g)

Then use the horizontal equation of motion to get the distance d ahead of the target to release the sup-plies
d = V T = V sqrt (2H/g)

Answer 2

Thanks, I got it now. :)