Caroline Twitchell

4/15/22
Zero Gravity

In this project we looked at the height and times of a plane used by NASA to simulate
zero gravity. Three sets of data were given:
● At 2 seconds the plane was at 23814 ft
● At 20 seconds it was at 32040 ft
● At 40 seconds it was at 33580 ft.
Using these times we were able to create 3 equations using the times to fill in for “t” in
the standard equation: h = at^2 + bt = c
● 23814 = 4a + 2b + c
● 32040 = 400a + 20b + c
● 33580 = 1600a + 40b + c
Aligning the 3 equations, we can start to solve for the variables by eliminating them one
by one. By choosing equations to me multiplied by negative numbers, we were able to solve for
each variable
● a=10
● b=677
● c=22500
Our equation would now look like this: h(t) = -10t^2 + 677t + 22500

We found when the highest point would be reached by finding the vertex:
● -(677)/2(-10) = 33.85 seconds
Plugging in 33.85 as t in the equation, we learned that the highest point in feet the plane
reached is 33,958 ft.

I believe this kind of math can be applicable in the real world. Applying this kind of math
(with various data points, put them in an equation) will allow one to predict times and distances
of various things, such as predicting how high an airplane will be at what time or maybe where a
runner is at a certain point in their race.
 If I were part of the crew on this plane, explaining the process and results to the
passengers would be important, especially as they’re anticipating when the zero gravity
environment will be reached within the “Vomit Comet”. I would share the equation to explain
when we would reach a simulated zero gravity environment and how high we would be at that
time.

This project didn’t change my opinion on the usefulness of math, but enlightened me on
how this math is used instead. It’s hard to know how the principles we learn work together and
work in the real world until we apply it ourselves. Knowing that equations such as this aids in
predicting flight times and patterns and is used by NASA to train astronauts makes math that
much more exciting to learn and apply.