Help me complete this question please

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves mechanics and vector analysis, specifically focusing on the motion of two helicopters departing from a common point and their respective positions over time. The original poster has completed parts a), b), and c) but is struggling with parts d), e), and f).

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the method for calculating the distance between two position vectors, suggesting the use of coordinate geometry. There is also a focus on determining the position vectors at different times and how to approach the calculation of time for one helicopter to reach the other.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on how to approach parts d) and e), indicating that the distance can be calculated from the position vectors found in part c). The discussion is ongoing, with multiple interpretations of the problem being explored.

Contextual Notes

The original poster expresses uncertainty about their understanding of mechanics, which may affect their approach to the problem. There is an implication that the problem is part of a review exercise, suggesting constraints on the methods that can be used.

physicsneek
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This is from the M1 review exercise Edexcel. I've managed to do a) b) and c) and but now I'm completely stuck. I'm no particular wizz at mechanics and getting stuck at d) means I'm suddenly uncertain about e) and f) :(.

Here is the question:
In this question i and j are horizontal unit vectors and at right angles to each other.
At 12:00 a helicopter A sets out from its base 0 and flies with speed 120 km h-1 in the direction of the vector 3i+4j.

a) Find the velocity vector of A
At 12:20 that day another helicopter B sets out from O and flies with speed 150 km h -1in the direction of the vector 24i + 7j.
b) Find the velocity vector of B
c) Find the position vectors of A and B at 13:00
d) Calculate the distance of A from B at 13:00
At 13:30 B makes an emergency landing. A immediately changes direction and flies at 120 km h-1 in a straight line to B.
e) Find the position vector of B from A at 13:30
f) Determine the time when A reaches B.

The answers I have so far are:
a) 72i +96j
b) 144i +42j
c) A = 72i +96j B = 96i +28j

The answers I'm supposed to get for the rest are:
d) 72.1km
e) 60i-95j
f) 14 26
 
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Why are you getting stuck at d)? It's the length of the difference between the two position vectors in part c).
 
d) The distance between two points d,

d = \sqrt{ (x_2-x_1)^2 + (y_2-y_1)^2 }

Co-ordinate geometry, I assume that if you're doing M1 then you have done Co-ordinate geometry in C1 this year?

e) For this find the position vectors for both like you did in question c, then use the method in c to find the distance between the two points.

f) The question says that B becomes stationary, use the distance you find in e and the velocity of 120 kms-1 to determine the time it will take for A to reach B.
 
thank you so much!
 

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