An airplane flies due north at 150km/h with respect to the air

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    Air Airplane
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the interpretation of the phrase "with respect to the air" in the context of an airplane's velocity. Participants explore the implications of this phrase for understanding the airplane's speed and direction relative to the air and other observers.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks clarification on the meaning of "with respect to the air," suggesting it may be synonymous with "relative to."
  • Another participant confirms that "with respect to the air" indicates the airplane's speed is measured relative to the air itself.
  • A question is raised about whether the airplane's direction is influenced by the air's movement.
  • One participant expresses confusion over the phrase "traveling in a direction to do with the air," indicating a lack of clarity on its meaning.
  • Another participant explains that if the air is moving at a certain speed, it affects the total speed of the airplane relative to an observer, providing an example with specific speeds.
  • A later reply highlights the complexity of the situation, noting that the airplane's speed relative to an observer can vary significantly depending on the direction and speed of the air.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the implications of the airplane's speed relative to the air, with some agreeing on the basic definitions while others point out the complexities and uncertainties involved in the scenario.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the assumptions about the air's movement or the implications of the airplane's speed relative to different observers.

dajusta
simple question

when it states "An airplane flies due north at 150km/h with respect to the air."

with respect? what exactly does that mean?

assuming that "relative to..." has the same meaning??

dajusta.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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Yes, it means relative to the air.
Which means that if were traveling with the same velocity as air, you would see the plane traveling 150 km/h due north.
 
Does it also imply it's traveling in a direction to do with the air?
 
I know what "relative to the air" means.


I have no idea what "travelling in a direction to do with the air?"
means.
 
STAii is correct, It's traveling
Due north
@ 150km/hr w/ respect to the speed of the air (above the speed)

Thus if the Air is traveling at 10km/hr, then the plane's total speed is 160km/hr.

Pete
 
Er...

If the air is going north @ 10 km/hr with respect to me, then the plane would indeed be going north @ 160 km/hr with respect to me.

However, we don't know which way the air is going. If it was going south @ 10 km/hr WRT me, then the plane would be going north @ 140 km/hr north WRT me. If the air was going another direction, it would be even messier
 

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