How much work is done on the plane by the arresting cables?

Question

A plane weighing 220 kN (25 tons) lands on an aircraft carrier. The plane is moving horizontally at 64 m/s (143 mi/h) when its tailhook grabs hold of the arresting cables. The cables bring the plane to a stop in a distance of 87 m.

(a) How much work is done on the plane by the arresting cables? (in MJ)
I have gotten the answer 45.9755...
that is NOT correct! any help??

Answer 1

The work done in bringing the plane to a stop has to equal the kinetic energy it came in with. I get 45.944 MJ, differing from your answer I think only by the value I used for g. So if that's not right, is there something you're not telling us? Is the carrier moving? Is the plane doing some braking of its own?