Calculating Aircraft Displacement & Velocity

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the displacement and average velocity of an aircraft detected by a radar station. The aircraft is initially at 1200 ft elevation at a 40-degree angle and, after 12 seconds, is 2080 ft from the radar station, having advanced to 123 degrees. The calculated displacements are Dx1=919 ft, Dy1=771 ft, Dx2=2467 ft, and Dy2=754 ft, leading to a resultant displacement of approximately 3386.04 ft. The ambiguity surrounding the angles and the direction of the aircraft's movement is highlighted, indicating a need for clarification on the angle definitions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector components in physics
  • Familiarity with trigonometric functions and their applications
  • Knowledge of displacement and velocity calculations
  • Ability to interpret radar data and angles in a three-dimensional context
NEXT STEPS
  • Study vector decomposition in physics for better understanding of displacement
  • Learn about trigonometric functions and their applications in navigation
  • Research the principles of radar technology and its use in tracking aircraft
  • Explore advanced topics in kinematics, focusing on velocity and acceleration
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Aerospace engineers, physics students, radar technicians, and anyone involved in aircraft navigation and tracking will benefit from this discussion.

High_Voltage
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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.
 
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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:

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