Bird's speed relative to person on ground

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the velocity of a bird flying from west to east in a wind blowing at 35 mph. The bird's speed relative to the air is 22 mph, leading to confusion about how to combine these velocities. The consensus is that the bird's speed relative to the ground is indeed 57 mph when adding the wind's speed to the bird's speed. Participants also humorously note the challenges the bird might face in returning to its starting point due to the strong wind. Overall, the calculations and assumptions about wind and air are clarified, confirming the bird's effective speed.
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Homework Statement



The wind is blowing from west to east at 35.0 mph, and a bird in that wind is flying at 22.0 mph relative to the air.

What is the magnitude of the velocity of this bird relative to a person standing on the ground if the bird is flying from west to east relative to the air?



Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I think the wording is messing me up. When they say "air" does that mean wind? If so here's my attempt:

If the wind is going 35mph with respect to the ground (I assume) and the bird is going 22mph with respect to the wind. Doesn't that just mean the bird is going 57mph with respect to the ground? I think I am wrong because I think I assumed things to be true. Thanks for the help.
 
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Wind ==> air, so your assumptions are okay.

That bird's going to have a tough time getting back to where it started from! It might have to walk home.
 
lol true
 

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