Computing & AI · the experiment
Find the best speed of a loaded drone
Your drone flies straight, at constant speed, over a field. Look for the speed that costs it the least energy per metre, then load it with a parcel and see what changes, and what does not.
1 · Too slow, too fast
Beginner
Why does flying too slowly cost a lot of energy per metre travelled?
Your drone weighs 8 kg. Change its speed and find the one that costs it the least energy per metre.
2 · An 8 kg parcel
Intermediate
At 8 kg, your drone flies most economically at 14.0 m/s. With an 8 kg parcel, it weighs 16 kg. What is its new most economical speed?
The drone now carries its parcel: 16 kg in all. Find its most economical speed again.
3 · Without changing speed
Expert
At 14.0 m/s, its most economical speed, the 8 kg drone spends 49.6 J per metre. Loaded to 16 kg, it keeps flying at 14.0 m/s. How much does it spend per metre?
4 · How far on one battery?
Expert
Imagine that on a full battery the 8 kg drone covers 12 km at its most economical speed. Loaded to 12 kg and flying at its new most economical speed, how far does it go on the same battery?
Best speed found
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