🎡AP Physics 1
2. A drone of mass m = 1.2 kg is flying horizontally at a constant speed v₀ = 8.0 m/s at a height h = 45 m above level ground.
Figure 1. Package released from drone
Figure 2. Package velocity components
In Figure 2, sketch and label graphs of the horizontal velocity component vₓ and the vertical velocity component vᵧ of the package as functions of time from t = 0 s to t = 3.0 s. Clearly indicate the value of each component at t = 0 s and at t = 3.0 s. Use g = 10 m/s² for any necessary calculations. The motion of the package can be analyzed using its horizontal and vertical velocity components.
Starting with fundamental kinematic equations, derive an expression for the horizontal distance d that the package travels from the instant of release until it reaches the ground. Express your answer in terms of v₀, h, g, and physical constants, as appropriate. Begin your derivation by writing a fundamental physics principle or an equation from the reference information. The horizontal distance traveled by the package from release until it reaches the ground can be determined using kinematic principles.
Figure 3. Package acceleration components
The acceleration of the package during its flight can be represented using horizontal and vertical components.
In Figure 3, sketch and label a graph of the horizontal acceleration component aₓ of the package as a function of time from t = 0 s to t = 3.0 s. Clearly indicate the value at t = 0 s.
In Figure 3, sketch and label a graph of the vertical acceleration component aᵧ of the package as a function of time from t = 0 s to t = 3.0 s. Clearly indicate the value at t = 0 s.
Figure 4. Observer measuring package motion
Indicate whether the magnitude of the total acceleration of the package as measured by Observer A (stationary on the ground) is greater than, less than, or equal to the magnitude of the total acceleration of the package as measured by an observer in the drone's reference frame. Figure 4 shows Observer A standing on the ground at the location where the package lands. The drone continues moving horizontally at constant velocity v₀ = 8.0 m/s throughout the package's flight.
|a_ground| > |a_drone|
|a_ground| < |a_drone|
|a_ground| = |a_drone|
Justify your answer by describing how the acceleration of the package is related to the reference frame of measurement and how your response is consistent with the acceleration graphs you sketched in part C.
