Relative Velocities: Plane Displacement from City in 2h Time

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the displacement of a plane from a city over a period of 2 hours, considering the effects of wind velocity. The subject area includes vector addition and relative motion in physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the vector nature of velocities and the correct formulation for adding relative velocities. There are attempts to clarify the relationship between the plane's velocity, wind velocity, and earth's velocity. Questions arise regarding how to determine the new angle of the plane relative to the earth.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on the correct vector addition of velocities. There is an ongoing exploration of how to find the new angle of the plane, with suggestions that it may involve the sine law. Multiple interpretations of the problem are being discussed, particularly regarding the angle calculation.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of the need for a diagram to aid in understanding the vector relationships, indicating that visual representation may be important for resolving the angle determination.

slpnsldr
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Homework Statement


The wind is blowing at 72km/h south relative to the earth, and a plane is traveling 320km/h (28 degrees south of west relative to the wind) directly above a city. give displacement from the city in 2h time


Homework Equations


Plane is P wind is W Earth is E

VPW=VPE+VWE



The Attempt at a Solution



re arrange to find that
VPE=VPW-VWE
VPE=248km/h

The only thing I don't understand is how to determine the new angle of the plane to the earth...
 
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Velocities are vectors. You cannot add or subtract them directly.
 
Hi slpnsldr. Your formula was incorrect. It should look like this
\vec{_{p}V_{E}}=\vec{_{p}V_{w}}+\vec{_{w}V_{E}}

Notice when you add these relative velocities, the subscript "w" cancel each other out. And that is the only trick to it.
 
ok, I've figured out my displacement.. but I am still unclear about how to find the planes new angle
somethign to do with the sine law?
 
slpnsldr said:
ok, I've figured out my displacement.. but I am still unclear about how to find the planes new angle
somethign to do with the sine law?

Oh, that might be hard to explain without a diagram. Maybe you need to include a diagram.
 

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