An airplane traveling north at 400 m/s is accelerated due east at a rate of 50 m/s² for 6 s. If the effects of air resistance and gravity are ignored, what is the final speed of the plane? A)300 m/s B)400 m/s C)500 m/s D)700 m/s E)800 m/s

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Since the plane is initially traveling north and is then accelerated due east, the velocity vectors are perpendicular to each other. Therefore, we can use the Pythagorean theorem to find the magnitude of the final velocity:

Final velocity = √(400 m/s)^2 + (50 m/s^2 × 6 s)^2

Final velocity = √(160000 m^2/s^2 + 90000 m^2/s^2)

Final velocity = √(250000 m^2/s^2)

Final velocity = 500 m/s

So the correct answer is C) 500 m/s.

An Airplane Traveling North at 400 M/s Is Accelerated Due