Solve for Average Acceleration: Flying East with Helium

In summary, average acceleration is the change in velocity over a specific time period, calculated by dividing the change in velocity by the time it took to change. To calculate it, you need to know the initial velocity, final velocity, and time. Helium can affect average acceleration by making an object lighter and reducing air resistance, resulting in a higher acceleration when flying east. Flying east with helium is often used as an example for solving average acceleration because it involves a change in velocity and the use of a gas that affects weight and air resistance. Average acceleration can also be negative, indicating a decrease in velocity over time.
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Homework Statement



A large man inhales a quantity of helium in order to fly east. If he is capable of flying at 26 km'hr by waving his arms and there is a wind of 10 km/h [S20E], find his heading and ground speed

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


 
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Show an attempt at the problem.
 
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Im not really sure what to do but I'm assuming that Vwg is 10
 

1. What is average acceleration?

Average acceleration is the change in velocity over a specific time period. It is calculated by dividing the change in velocity by the time it took to change.

2. How do you calculate average acceleration?

To calculate average acceleration, you need to know the initial velocity, final velocity, and the time it took to change between the two velocities. The formula for average acceleration is (final velocity - initial velocity) / time.

3. How does helium affect average acceleration?

Helium is a gas that is less dense than the surrounding air. When an object is filled with helium, it becomes lighter and experiences less air resistance. This results in a higher average acceleration when flying east compared to flying without helium.

4. Why is flying east with helium used as an example for solving average acceleration?

Flying east with helium is used as an example because it involves a change in velocity (due to the wind) and the use of a gas that affects the object's weight and air resistance. This allows for a more complex calculation of average acceleration.

5. Can average acceleration be negative?

Yes, average acceleration can be negative. This occurs when an object is slowing down or changing direction. The negative sign indicates that the object's velocity is decreasing over time.

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