Solving a Jet Aircraft Velocity Problem: Understanding and Correcting Mistakes

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving vector components of a jet aircraft's velocity, specifically calculating the southern component of its velocity given its speed and direction.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate the southern component of velocity using cosine, but questions arise regarding the correctness of the angle used and the vector diagram drawn. Participants suggest that the calculation may be yielding the eastern component instead.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging in clarifying the original poster's approach, with some pointing out potential errors in the vector diagram and the interpretation of the angle. There is no explicit consensus yet, but guidance is being offered regarding the correct components to consider.

Contextual Notes

There is an indication that the original poster may have misunderstood the direction of the components being calculated, leading to confusion in the results. The problem context includes a specific angle and direction that are critical to the calculations.

ms. confused
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Hello! I was wondering if anyone could tell me if I was solving this Physics problem correctly:

A jet aircraft is traveling at 310 m/s at 35° south of east. What is the southern component of its velocity?


Calculation:
cos35°= x/310
310cos35= x
254 m/s = x

The real answer is supposed to be 178 m/s, but I keep getting 254 even if I solve it graphically. So...what, if anything, am I doing wrong?
 
Last edited:
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Check your angles again. The plane is traveling at 35° south of east. You did not draw the vector diagram correctly.
 
You are getting the eastern component. They want the southern component, which is the component of the vector pointing downwards.
 
Oh, looks like i should have checked your diagram first. Looks like Sirus is right, the diagram is drawn incorrectly.
 

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