How Does Jet Stream Speed Affect Airplane Ground Speed?

In summary, a round-trip flight between two cities separated by 3600 km encounters the jet stream, which affects the plane's speed relative to Earth's surface. The outgoing flight in the direction of the jet stream and the return flight opposite it have a difference in flight times of 63 min. The airline computer advises an airspeed of 810 km/h, and using this information, the jet-stream speed can be calculated.
  • #1
mmg0789
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Homework Statement



Long flights at midlatitudes in the Northern Hemisphere encounter the jet stream, an eastward airflow that can affect a plane's speed relative to Earth's surface. If a pilot maintains a certain speed relative to the air (the plane's airspeed), the speed relative to the surface (the plane's ground speed) is more when the flight is in the direction of the jet stream and less when the flight is opposite the jet stream. Suppose a round-trip flight is scheduled between two cities separated by 3600 km, with the outgoing flight in the direction of the jet stream and the return flight opposite it. The airline computer advises an airspeed of 810 km/h, for which the difference in flight times for the outgoing and return flights is 63 min. What jet-stream speed (in km/h) is the computer using?

Homework Equations



im thinking (x-x0) = 1/2(v0 + v)t
maybe

The Attempt at a Solution



attached is a picture of what i think this scenario looks like,
i found Vpg for the plane going to be cos(theta)/810

but I am not really sure what else to do
 

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  • #2
I think the problem intends you to take the jet stream to be traveling in the same direction as the plane. So there is no theta to worry about. Just write an expression for the one way travel time in each direction, write an expression that says their difference is 63min and solve it for the velocity of the jet stream.
 

1. What is relative motion of a plane?

Relative motion of a plane refers to the movement of an aircraft in relation to another object or frame of reference, such as the ground or another aircraft. It takes into account the speed and direction of the plane, as well as the speed and direction of the object or frame of reference.

2. How does wind affect relative motion of a plane?

Wind can greatly affect the relative motion of a plane, as it can cause changes in the plane's speed and direction. For example, if a plane is flying with a tailwind, its relative speed will increase, while flying against a headwind will decrease the relative speed.

3. What is the difference between relative motion and absolute motion of a plane?

Relative motion takes into account the movement of an aircraft in relation to another object or frame of reference, while absolute motion refers to the movement of the aircraft without considering any external factors. In other words, relative motion is measured in relation to something else, while absolute motion is measured independently.

4. How is the relative motion of a plane calculated?

The relative motion of a plane is calculated by combining the vector components of the plane's speed and direction with the vector components of the object or frame of reference's speed and direction. This will give the overall speed and direction of the plane in relation to the object or frame of reference.

5. Why is understanding relative motion important for pilots?

Understanding relative motion is important for pilots as it allows them to accurately navigate and make adjustments while flying. It also helps pilots to anticipate and compensate for external factors, such as wind, to maintain a safe and efficient flight.

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