Amazon is bringing me a box of shark repellent to my small island (about a 10 m diameter). They are going to drop it as they fly overhead. The plane flies 125 m above the ground at a speed of 550 m/s. How far away from my island should they drop my supplies so that it lands on the island?

Question

Amazon is bringing me a box of shark repellent to my small island (about a 10 m diameter).  They are going to drop it as they fly overhead.  The plane flies 125 m above the ground at a speed of 550 m/s.  How far away from my island should they drop my supplies so that it lands on the island?

I'm confused on how to go about solving this problem. Could someone help explain this?

Steve · Answer

how long does it take to fall 125 meters?

4.9t^2 = 125

Using that value of t, how far will the package move at 550 m/s ? You might want to consider an extra 5 meters to hit at the center of the island?

Anonymous · Answer

Okay so if I found t=5.04 s, then all I need to do is use d=speed*time? d=550*5.04= 2772 meters or if I add an extra 5 meters: d=555*5.04=2792.2 meters Did I do that right?

Steve · Answer

You should subtract the 5 meters from the calculated distance, or the package will land 5 meters from shore in the water, rather than on land! 2772 - 5 = 2767 You added an extra 5 m/s to the speed!