Calculating wind speed with respect to an airplane

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SUMMARY

The discussion revolves around calculating wind speed and direction affecting an airplane's course. The pilot flies due west at an airspeed of 220 km/hr for 0.5 hours, covering a distance of 120 km west and 20 km south. The problem requires determining the wind velocity by analyzing vector components and utilizing right triangle relationships. Participants seek guidance on setting up vector equations to accurately solve for the wind's magnitude and direction.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector components in physics
  • Knowledge of right triangle trigonometry
  • Familiarity with airspeed and ground speed concepts
  • Basic skills in solving linear equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study vector addition and subtraction in physics
  • Learn how to resolve vectors into components
  • Explore the concept of wind velocity in aviation
  • Practice solving problems involving relative motion
USEFUL FOR

Aerospace engineering students, physics learners, and pilots seeking to understand the impact of wind on flight paths.

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Homework Statement


An airplane pilot sets a compass course due west and maintains an airspeed of 220 km/hr. After flying for .5 hr, she finds herself over a town 120 km west and 20 km south of her starting point. Find the wind velocity (magnitude and direction).


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I have attempted setting up the diagram and finding the vector components of each velocity, and then using right triangles to find the magnitudes, but I keep getting the wrong answer. I have no idea how to go about doing this problem.
 
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Can you show us how you set up your vector equations?

-Kerry
 

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