How will the wind affect the plane's course and speed?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves an airplane's navigation affected by wind, specifically examining the resultant velocity of the plane and the potential deviation from its intended course over time. The subject area includes vector addition and trigonometry in the context of physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculation of the resultant velocity using the Pythagorean theorem, while others question its applicability to the given triangle configuration. The use of the cosine law is suggested as an alternative approach. Additionally, there is a debate about the implications of corrective action taken by the pilot regarding the plane's course deviation.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the problem and clarifying assumptions. Some guidance has been offered regarding the appropriate mathematical approach, but there is no explicit consensus on the correct method or outcome.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted omission in the problem statement regarding whether corrective action is taken by the pilot, which has led to confusion in the interpretation of the second part of the question.

cowgiljl
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An air plane is heading due north at a speed of 300km/hr. If a wind begins blowing from the southwest at a speed of 50.0 km/hr.
a) the resultant velocity of the plane
b) how far off course will the plane be after 30 min if the pilot takes corrective action

I have for the resulant = 295 km/hr I got it by using the triangle formula A^2+B^2=C^2

but on part B not sure how to go about it or even if part a is correct

Please
 
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Why would A^2+B^2=C^2?

Yes, I know that's the Pythagorean theorem but that only applies to RIGHT triangles. If you draw a picture you have a triangle with one side (north) of length 300, another at 45 degrees (east of north) of length 50 and the unknown side connecting the two. In other words, you have a triangle with sides of length 300 and 50 and with angle between those two sides of 180-45= 135 degrees. That is definitely NOT a right triangle!

If you have had the COSINE LAW, this looks like a good candidate. Look that up and try it.
 
By the way, the answer to the second question:
"b) how far off course will the plane be after 30 min if the pilot takes corrective action"

is obviously "not off course at all" BECAUSE the pilot took corrective action!

Is it possible that the problem said "if the pilot takes NO correctie action"? "No" is a bad word to leave out!
 
Yes i did leave out the word No on it a small but very important bit of information sorry
 

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