Helicopter Speed Relative to Ground: Solve w/ Vector Components

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the speed of a helicopter relative to the ground using vector components. The helicopter's velocity is given as 55 m/s at an angle of 35 degrees north of west, while the wind speed is 21 m/s east. The initial attempt to solve the problem using vector components was incorrect, but the correct solution was achieved using the cosine law. The conversation highlights the importance of accurately applying vector component analysis in physics problems.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector components in physics
  • Knowledge of trigonometric functions, specifically cosine and sine
  • Familiarity with the cosine law for solving triangles
  • Basic principles of relative velocity
NEXT STEPS
  • Study vector component resolution in two-dimensional motion
  • Learn about the cosine law and its applications in physics
  • Practice problems involving relative velocity in wind conditions
  • Explore graphical methods for vector addition and subtraction
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and vector analysis, as well as educators looking for examples of vector component applications in real-world scenarios.

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Homework Statement


A helicopter's velocity relative to the air is 55m/s[W35^\circN]
The wind speed is 21 m/s[E].
I need to find the speed of the airplane relative to the ground.

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


I tried using vector components for this equation. Since the vertical component of the vector of the helicopters speed relative to the air is the same as the vector of the helicopters speed relative to the ground and the horizontal component should be the horizontal component of the helicopter's velocity relative to the air minus the wind speed.
I tried it this way and the answer is different from the one given by the textbook. I'm not very confident with vector components.

Edit: I did it using the cosine law and got the correct answer, but I would like to know if there was any faults with the way I tried to do it with vector components.
 
Last edited:
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There doesn't appear to be any faults with your description of using vectors. Perhaps you just made an error.
 

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