Does this triangle have to be flipped when finding the magnitudes and angles?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the necessity of flipping the triangle when solving relative velocity problems in calculus and vector analysis. An example involving an airline pilot flying at 615 km/h with a wind speed of 80 km/h is analyzed using two methods: the Law of Cosines and vector addition. Both methods yield a resultant velocity of approximately 692.58 km/h. The angle between the plane's velocity vector and the wind vector is calculated to be 165 degrees, demonstrating the importance of accurate vector representation in these calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of relative velocity concepts
  • Proficiency in vector addition techniques
  • Familiarity with the Law of Cosines
  • Basic knowledge of trigonometric functions and angles
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the Law of Cosines in-depth for vector applications
  • Learn advanced vector addition techniques in physics
  • Explore trigonometric identities and their applications in vector analysis
  • Practice solving relative velocity problems with varying conditions
USEFUL FOR

Students in calculus and physics courses, airline pilots, and anyone interested in mastering vector analysis and relative velocity problems.

Raerin
Messages
46
Reaction score
0
In those kind of relative velocity questions in calculus & vectors class, does the direction of the plane need to be flipped when drawing the triangle to find the magnitudes and angles?

Example of a question:
An airline pilot has her controls set to fly at an air speed of 615 km/h at an azimuth bearing of 40 degrees. A wind is blowing from an azimuth bearing of 205 degrees at 80 km/h. Determine the velocity of the plane relative to the ground.

For this question, I also have troubles finding the angles between vectors when I draw the triangle. A link to an illustration on Paint or some other drawing program would be really helpful!

Thanks :)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Here are two ways to work the problem:

a) Law of Cosines:

Consider the following diagram:

View attachment 1546

The angle between the plane's velocity vector and that of the wind is:

$$\theta=\left(180-((90-(205-180))-(90-40)) \right)^{\circ}=165^{\circ}$$

Hence:

$$R=\sqrt{615^2+80^2-2\cdot615\cdot80\cos\left(165^{\circ} \right)}\approx692.583642102$$

b) Vector addition:

$$\vec{R}=\left\langle 615\cos\left(50^{\circ} \right)+80\cos\left(65^{\circ} \right),\sin\left(50^{\circ} \right)+80\sin\left(65^{\circ} \right) \right\rangle$$

$$R=\left|\vec{R} \right|=\sqrt{\left(615\cos\left(50^{\circ} \right)+80\cos\left(65^{\circ} \right) \right)^2+\left(\sin\left(50^{\circ} \right)+80\sin\left(65^{\circ} \right) \right)^2}\approx692.583642102$$
 

Attachments

  • raerin.jpg
    raerin.jpg
    4.3 KB · Views: 110

Similar threads

Replies
25
Views
2K
  • · Replies 72 ·
3
Replies
72
Views
9K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
5K
Replies
13
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
3K