What is the wind velocity in km/h and what angle it it north of east?

In summary, the conversation discusses a light plane flying due south with a speed of 200 km/h relative to still air. After 1 hour, the pilot notices that the plane has only covered 190 km and is heading southeast instead of south. The wind velocity is calculated to be 170 km/h at an angle of 41.5 degrees north of east. The conversation also mentions that velocity is a vector and provides a mathematical explanation for finding the wind velocity. However, the person involved in the conversation is still having trouble understanding the concept and requests a visual aid.
  • #1
physicsss
319
0
A light plane is headed due south with a speed relative to still air of 200 km/h. After 1 hour, the pilot notices that they have covered only 190 km and their direction is not south but southeast. What is the wind velocity in km/h and what angle it it north of east?
 
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  • #2
The velocity of the wind is the difference between the actual velocity of the plane and the "intended" velocity of the plane.
 
  • #3
...

not really...in the book the intended is 240 km/h but the actual is 180 km and the answer they give is 170 k/h with an angle of 41.5 N of E.
 
  • #4
physicsss said:
not really...in the book the intended is 240 km/h but the actual is 180 km and the answer they give is 170 k/h with an angle of 41.5 N of E.

Remember, velocity is a vector!
 
  • #5
but there's no angles given.
 
  • #6
Due south and southeast sound like angles to me! :-)
 
  • #7
i still don't get it. :confused: angle is 45 degrees?
 
  • #8
LaTex doesn't seem to be working so I'll try this:

The actual speed of the plane is 190/sqrt(2) km/h so it's actual velocity is (1, -1)*190/sqrt(2).

The "intended velocity of the plane is (0, -1)*200 km/h.

The difference between them is the wind velocity:
(190/sqrt(2), 200 - 190/sqrt(2))

Now just divide the y component by the x component to find the tangent of the angle you're looking for.

A drawing might help you see it better.
 
  • #9
Tide said:
A drawing might help you see it better.

That should be the first thing you do!
 
  • #10
Tide, Does Latex work now? I still don't get the answers that the book got using what you did...
 

1. What is wind velocity in km/h?

The wind velocity in km/h measures the speed of the wind in kilometers per hour. It is a common unit used to describe wind speed, especially in meteorology.

2. How is wind velocity measured?

Wind velocity is typically measured using an anemometer, which is a device that spins in the wind and measures the rotational speed. This speed is then converted into a measurement of wind velocity in km/h.

3. What does the angle north of east refer to in relation to wind velocity?

The angle north of east is a directional measurement that indicates the direction the wind is coming from. For example, an angle of 45 degrees north of east means the wind is coming from the northeast direction.

4. How does wind velocity impact weather patterns?

Wind velocity plays a crucial role in shaping weather patterns, as it determines how fast air moves from one location to another. This movement of air can impact temperature, precipitation, and other weather conditions.

5. Why is it important to know the wind velocity and angle north of east?

Knowing the wind velocity and angle north of east is important for various reasons. It can help with predicting weather patterns, understanding wind energy potential, and determining safe conditions for outdoor activities such as sailing and flying.

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