Question

A human expedition lands on an exoplanet. One of the explorers is able to jump a maximum distance of 19.5 m with an initial speed of 2.80 m/s. Find the gravitational acceleration on the surface of the exoplanet. Assume the planet has a negligible atmosphere.

Answer 1

Answer:

Acceleration, $a=-0.20\ m/s^2$

Explanation:

It is given that,

Initial speed of the explorers, u = 2.8 m/s

Finally it lands, v = 0

Maximum distance, x = 19.5 m

We need to find the gravitational acceleration on the surface of the exoplanet. Let a is the acceleration. It can be calculated using third equation of motion as :

$v^2-u^2=2ax$

$a=\dfrac{v^2-u^2}{2x}$

$a=\dfrac{(0-(2.8)^2}{2\times 19.5}$

$a=-0.20\ m/s^2$

So, the gravitational acceleration on the surface of the exoplanet is $0.20\ m/s^2$. Minus sign shows that the acceleration is acting in downward direction. Hence, this is the required solution.