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 2.3 x 10^5 N. In being launched from rest it moves a distance of 87 m and has a kinetic energy of 4.5 x 10^7 J at lift-off. What is the work done on the jet by the catapult?

2.5 x 10⁷ J

Explanation:

F = thrust of the engine = 2.3 x 10⁵ N

d = distance traveled = 87 m

Work done by the engine is given as

W = F d = (2.3 x 10⁵) (87) = 200.1 x 10⁵ J

W' = Net work done

W'' = work done by catapult

KE₀ = initial kinetic energy = 0 J

KE = final kinetic energy = 4.5 x 10⁷ J

Net work done is given as

W' = KE - KE₀

W' = 4.5 x 10⁷ J

We know that

W' = W + W''

4.5 x 10⁷ = 2.001 x 10⁷ + W''

W'' = 2.5 x 10⁷ J