How to Solve a Kinematics Problem?

[Joe_K]

Homework Statement

A bird is coasting along in an easterly direction at 0.447 meters/sec when a strong wind from the south imparts a constant acceleration of 0.300 m/s². If the acceleration from the wind lasts for 2.70 s, find the magnitude, r, and direction, θ, of the bird's displacement during this time period. (Hint: assume the bird is originally traveling in the +x direction)

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

I am not sure which equations I am supposed to use in this problem, or where to begin. I am very confused

 

[PeterO]

Homework Statement

A bird is coasting along in an easterly direction at 0.447 meters/sec when a strong wind from the south imparts a constant acceleration of 0.300 m/s². If the acceleration from the wind lasts for 2.70 s, find the magnitude, r, and direction, θ, of the bird's displacement during this time period. (Hint: assume the bird is originally traveling in the +x direction)

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

I am not sure which equations I am supposed to use in this problem, or where to begin. I am very confused

This problem is very similar to projectile motion.

To explain.

If we consider a projectile from the point of maximum height.
It is subjected to a constant acceleration, perpendicular to the initial motion.

Don't forget that for the displacement, you only have to know the initial and final position, not the length of the path followed to get there.

The bird will have covered a Easterly displacement - constant speed for 3 seconds.
The bird will also have covered a Northerly diplacement - accelerating at a constant rate in that direction.
Add those two components vectorially and you have the answer you seek.