A fighter jet is launched from an aircraft carrier with the aid of its own engines and a steam-powered catapult. The thrust of its engines is 2.4 x 10^5 N. In being launched from rest it moves through a distance of 87 m and has a kinetic energy of 5.0 x 10^7 J at lift-off. What is the work done on the jet by the catapult?

57744

To find the work done on the jet by the catapult, we need to calculate the change in kinetic energy of the jet.

The work-energy principle states that the work done on an object is equal to the change in its kinetic energy. In this case, the work done on the jet by the catapult is equal to the change in kinetic energy of the jet.

Given:
Thrust of the engines (F) = 2.4 x 10^5 N
Distance moved (d) = 87 m
Kinetic energy at lift-off (K) = 5.0 x 10^7 J

Since the jet is launched from rest, the initial kinetic energy is zero. Therefore, the change in kinetic energy is equal to the final kinetic energy at lift-off.

The work done on the jet is given by the equation:

Work = Change in Kinetic Energy
= Final Kinetic Energy - Initial Kinetic Energy

Substituting the given values:

Work = K - 0
= 5.0 x 10^7 J - 0
= 5.0 x 10^7 J

Hence, the work done on the jet by the catapult is 5.0 x 10^7 J.