Archived Relative Motion in Two Dimensions

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving a light plane's airspeed and its required heading to reach a destination due north while accounting for wind. The pilot must head 20 degrees east of due north to maintain a direct flight path, prompting the need to calculate wind velocity. The user initially calculated the wind's magnitude as 185 km/h but struggled with determining its direction. Participants suggest using vector diagrams to visualize the plane's intended path without wind and the actual path, connecting these with the wind vector for clarity. The conversation emphasizes the importance of accurately representing relative motion in two dimensions to solve the problem effectively.
vladittude0583
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Homework Statement


A light plane attains an airspeed of 500 km/h. The pilot sets out for a destination 800 km due north but discovers taht the plane must be headed 20.0 degree East of due North to fly there directly. The plane arrives in 2.00 h. what were the (a) magnitude and (b) direction of the wind velocity?


Homework Equations


Vwg = Vpg + Vpw


The Attempt at a Solution


I had used the law of cosines to find the magnitude of the Vwg which comes out to be 185 km/h, but the direction I calculated is wrong. Could someone pinpoint me in the right direction as far as how to draw the vectors for this relative motion in two dimension?

Thanks.
 
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Unfortunately, I also need help with this!
 
Saintt said:
Unfortunately, I also need help with this!
You'll need to show what you've tried.

Guidelines for students and helpers
 
Try drawing a vector showing where the plane would go (pointing where the pilot pointed) if there were no wind. Then draw another vector of the actual path. Then connect the ends of those two vectors with the wind vector.
 

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