Chapter 6, Problem 44A

To determine

To Draw:The path of the crate as seen by an observer on the ground.

Explanation of Solution

Ignoring the air resistance, the crate would follow a parabolic path. The initial velocity of the crate is velocity of the plane. The horizontal velocity of the crate is equal to the velocity of the plane. Initial vertical velocity of the crate is zero and it accelerates downwards due to gravity.

Path of the crate as observed from the ground is as follows:

Here, $h$ is the altitude of plane along y-axis.

The plane would be just above the crate when it hits the floor because the time in which crate falls down would be equal the time in which plane moves the distance horizontally. The crate and the plane both have the same horizontal velocity.