Calculating Aircraft Displacement & Velocity

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the displacement and average velocity of an aircraft detected by a radar station. The aircraft's initial position is 1200 ft at a 40-degree angle, and after 12 seconds, it is 2080 ft away at an angle of 123 degrees. Participants express confusion over the meaning of the angles provided and the direction of the aircraft's movement, questioning whether it is flying due west. There is a need for clarity on the angles and their implications for the calculations. The overall consensus is that the question is poorly posed, leading to uncertainty in deriving the correct displacement and velocity values.
High_Voltage
Messages
11
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



A radar station detects an aircraft (moving east to west) at 1200ft at 40degrees. 12 seconds later the plane is 2080 ft from the station and has advanced 123degrees find

His displacement

His average Velocity

Homework Equations



Dx=dx1 + dx2
Dy=dy1 + dy2

The Attempt at a Solution



Dx1=919ft Dy1=771ft

Dx2=2467ft Dy2=754ft

-3386 -17 (NEGATIVE IS THE NEGATIVE DIRECTION ON THE AXIS)

(3386^2)+(17^2)= 3386.04-(RESULTANT)

How can I find the angle please.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I'm not sure which angle you want to find. You are given the angles in the question.
The plane is moving east to west so it's displacement is due west of its original position.
Could you be more specific?
Also, have you checked your answer? Is it correct?
 
High_Voltage said:
A radar station detects an aircraft (moving east to west) at 1200ft at 40degrees. 12 seconds later the plane is 2080 ft from the station and has advanced 123degrees ...

Is the plane flying due west (180 degrees)?

What does the statement "at 40 degrees" refer to? It isn't clear, as stated. I assume it is the angle of inclination of the plane's path since it is 880 ft higher 12 seconds later.

But then, what does the statement that it "has advanced 123 degrees" mean?This is a very unclear/poorly posed question.
 
Last edited:

Thread 'Errors and significant figures'

I multiplied the values first without the error limit. Got 19.38. rounded it off to 2 significant figures since the given data has 2 significant figures. So = 19. For error I used the above formula. It comes out about 1.48. Now my question is. Should I write the answer as 19±1.5 (rounding 1.48 to 2 significant figures) OR should I write it as 19±1. So in short, should the error have same number of significant figures as the mean value or should it have the same number of decimal places as...
View full post »
Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'

Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'

In this question, I have a question. I am NOT trying to solve it, but it is just a conceptual question. Consider the point on the rod, which connects the string and the rod. My question: just before and after the collision, is ANGULAR momentum CONSERVED about this point? Lets call the point which connects the string and rod as P. Why am I asking this? : it is clear from the scenario that the point of concern, which connects the string and the rod, moves in a circular path due to the string...
View full post »
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
View full post »

Similar threads

What is the angle and displacement of the plane?
Replies
1
Views
1K
Vectors: Displacement, average velocity & speed
Replies
7
Views
2K
Why Does My Displacement Calculation Exceed the Sprint Distance?
Replies
11
Views
7K
Ball trajectory velocity and displacement vectors
Replies
13
Views
3K
Is -4m the correct displacement for average velocity calculation?
Replies
1
Views
1K
Calculate the time at which the object changes direction
Replies
2
Views
3K
Help with Vectors: Calculating Displacement, Speed & Velocity
Replies
5
Views
2K
How Is Average Velocity Calculated in Multi-Stage Vector Displacements?
Replies
3
Views
1K
How Can We Calculate Displacement and Average Velocity for a Complex Trip?
Replies
4
Views
2K
How to Calculate Average Velocity with Displacement & Speed?
Replies
3
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top