Relative Motion - Airplane Problem

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves determining the velocity of an airplane relative to the ground, given its velocity relative to the air and the wind velocity. The subject area pertains to relative motion and vector addition in physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the assumption of the vectors forming a right triangle and suggest that the original poster may need to reconsider the components of the airplane's velocity. There is a suggestion to divide the airplane's velocity into components and a request for a diagram to clarify the vector relationships.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the problem setup and questioning the assumptions made about the directions of the velocities involved. Some guidance has been offered regarding the breakdown of vector components.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted ambiguity regarding the direction of the airplane's velocity, as it is not explicitly stated in the problem whether it is directed south or at an angle. This may affect the interpretation of the problem.

harujina
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Homework Statement



An airplane has a velocity 325km/h relative to the air. It is going in a direction [S30W]. There is a wind velocity of 80km/h[W]. What is the velocity of the plane relative to the ground?

Homework Equations



aVg + pVa = pVg
(velocity of air relative to ground + velocity of plane relative to air = velocity of plane relative to ground)

The Attempt at a Solution



pVa = 325km/h and aVg = 80km/h [W] and pVg = ? [S30W]

correct?
i know pVg^2 = aVg^2 + pVa^2
but, I'm not getting the number I'm supposed to?
 
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The problem does not state specifically that the vectors form a 90 degree triangle. So you cannot assume that.
 
You could divide pVa into components.
 
Can you possibly attach a diagram showing the vectors?
 
harujina said:
pVa = 325km/h and aVg = 80km/h [W] and pVg = ? [S30W]
Where do you get the direction from? I read it as pVa = 325km/h [S30W] and the direction of pVg is unknown. See if that gives the desired answer.
 

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