A question regarding kinematics

  • Thread starter Thread starter nblu
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Kinematics
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on solving kinematics problems involving vector addition of a plane's velocity and wind speed. The plane travels at 200 km/h west, while the wind blows at 50 km/h north. The resultant groundspeed is calculated to be 206 km/h at a direction of W14N. For the second part, the user seeks clarification on how to determine the necessary heading for the plane to travel directly west, requiring a vector diagram to visualize the relationship between the plane's airspeed and wind vector.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector addition in physics
  • Familiarity with trigonometric functions, particularly tangent
  • Knowledge of kinematic equations, specifically r^2 = a^2 + b^2
  • Ability to draw and interpret vector diagrams
NEXT STEPS
  • Study vector addition and resolution of forces in physics
  • Learn how to draw and analyze vector diagrams
  • Explore the concept of relative velocity in kinematics
  • Investigate the use of trigonometric functions in solving vector problems
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on kinematics and vector analysis, as well as educators seeking to enhance their teaching methods in these topics.

nblu
Messages
56
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


A small plane flies a heading of 200km/h [W]. The wind speed is 50.0km/h [N]
a) Determine the resultant groundspeed and direction of the plane
b) What heading would the plane need to take to travel due west, and what would his ground speed be?


Homework Equations


r^2=a^2 + b^2


The Attempt at a Solution


So for a):
r^2 = (200)^2 + (50.0)^2
r = 206 km/h
tan(theta) = 50/200
(theta) = 14
Therefore, the resultant groundspeed and direction is 206 km/h W14N.

But, for b), I'm not so sure what the difference is between what I just did for a) compared to the question b). I'm sorry am I missing anything?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
for part b, you want your resultant vector to point west,
but for part a, your resultant vectors point at 14 degrees

draw a vector diagram (with resultant ground vector speed of unknown mag pointing west)

and plane air speed (pointing little south at x degrees) and air speed pointing north

you are trying to find that x
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
3K
Replies
16
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
5K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
3K