Question

Assume an intercontinental ballistic missile goes from rest to a suborbital speed of 6.50 km/s in 60.0 s (the actual speed and time are classified). What is its average acceleration in meters per second squared and in multiples of g (9.80 m/s2)?

a) 1. 1.08 × 10^-1 m/s², 1.10 g
b) 2. 1.08 × 10^1 m/s², 1.10 g
c) 3. 1.08 × 10^2 m/s², 1.10 g
d) 4. 1.08 × 10^3 m/s², 1.10 g

Answer 1

The average acceleration of the missile is 108.33 m/s² and 11.05 g. The correct option is a) 1.08 × 10^-1 m/s², 1.10 g.

Step-by-step explanation:

To find the average acceleration, we need to use the formula:
Acceleration = (final velocity - initial velocity) / time
Given that the missile goes from rest to a speed of 6.50 km/s in 60.0 s, we can convert the speed to m/s by multiplying by 1000, and the formula becomes:
Acceleration = (6500 m/s - 0 m/s) / 60.0 s
Acceleration = 6500 m/s / 60.0 s
Acceleration = 108.33 m/s²

To determine the acceleration in multiples of g, we divide the acceleration by the acceleration due to gravity (9.80 m/s²):
Acceleration in multiples of g = 108.33 m/s² / 9.80 m/s²
Acceleration in multiples of g = 11.05 g

Therefore, the correct option is a) 1.08 × 10^-1 m/s², 1.10 g.