Relative Motion in Two Dimensions

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves relative motion in two dimensions, specifically analyzing the effects of wind on an aircraft's flight path. The original poster presents a scenario where a plane must adjust its heading due to wind while traveling to a destination.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to use the law of cosines to determine the wind velocity but expresses uncertainty about the direction of their calculation. They seek guidance on vector representation in this context. Other participants indicate they also need assistance, suggesting a shared challenge in understanding the problem.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different aspects of the problem. Some guidance has been provided regarding vector drawing techniques to visualize the situation, but there is no explicit consensus or resolution yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants are encouraged to show their attempts at the problem, indicating a collaborative effort to understand the concepts involved. There may be constraints related to homework guidelines that require students to demonstrate their reasoning process.

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!
 
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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