Scientists are experimenting with a kind of gun that may eventually be used to fire payloads directly into orbit. In one test, this gun accelerates a 4.8-kg projectile from rest to a speed of 3.9 103 m/s. The net force accelerating the projectile is 4.8 105 N. How much time is required for the projectile to come up to speed?

Question

Scientists are experimenting with a kind of gun that may eventually be used to fire payloads directly into orbit. In one test, this gun accelerates a 4.8-kg projectile from rest to a speed of 3.9  103 m/s. The net force accelerating the projectile is 4.8  105 N. How much time is required for the projectile to come up to speed?

Henry · Answer

V = Vo + a*t. a = Fn/m = 4.8*10^5/4.8 = 1*10^5 m/s^2. t=(V-Vo)/a = (3900-0)/1*10^5 = 0.039 s.