Classical Mechanics (Kibble & Berkshire) · Problem 2.20

Newton's laws of motion and the law of gravitation — T.W.B. Kibble, F.H. Berkshire

Physics — Mechanics · relative-velocity

Problem

An aircraft takes off from a horizontal runway with constant speed

U

, climbing at a constant angle

\alpha

to the horizontal. A car is moving on the runway with constant speed

u

directly towards the front of the aircraft. The car is distance

a

from the aircraft at the instant of take-off. Find the distance of closest approach of the car and aircraft. [Don't try this one at home.]