Figure 11 shows a student launching a toy aeroplane.
To launch the aeroplane, the student pulls on it to stretch the spring and then releases it.
Just before the toy aeroplane is released, the spring has an extension of 0.12 m.
mass of aeroplane = 0.020 kg
spring constant of the spring = 50 N/m
Calculate the maximum speed of the toy aeroplane just after it is launched. Use the Physics Equations Sheet.
Give the unit.
[6 marks]
SOLUTION
The elastic potential energy (EPE) stored in spring is transferred into kinetic energy of the toy aeroplane. Therefore, we will first measure EPE and will than subtitute it in place of KE.
ii- Complete the sentence.
As the aeroplane moves upwards through the air there is a decrease
in the …………………………. energy of the aeroplane.
[1 marks]
SOLUTION
As the aeroplane moves upwards through the air there is a decrease
in the Kinetic energy of the aeroplane.
iii- Give one factor which would increase the distance the toy aeroplane travels horizontally before hitting the ground.
[1 mark]
SOLUTION
Increasing the extension of the spring may cause more Elastic Potential energy to be stored which would ultimately give more KE to the toy, increasing the horizontal distance the it travel.
Moreover, by launching the toy at the smaller angle may also help in increasing the horizontal distance coovered by the toy.
(You may pick any one answer.)
