Relative velocity - find airspeed

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SUMMARY

The problem involves calculating the airspeed of a plane flying into a 65 mi/h headwind, with the return trip taking 65 minutes less than the outbound trip. The correct approach requires defining the plane's speed as 'v' and establishing two equations based on the time taken for each leg of the journey. The initial calculations presented in the discussion incorrectly assumed a distance of 2300 miles and miscalculated the time, leading to confusion. The solution must accurately reflect the relationship between speed, distance, and time under the influence of wind.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of relative velocity concepts
  • Basic algebra for solving equations
  • Knowledge of time, speed, and distance relationships
  • Familiarity with unit conversions (e.g., minutes to hours)
NEXT STEPS
  • Formulate equations for relative velocity in wind conditions
  • Practice solving time-distance-speed problems
  • Explore the effects of headwinds on flight times
  • Review algebraic techniques for solving systems of equations
USEFUL FOR

Aerospace engineering students, physics learners, and anyone interested in solving real-world problems involving relative motion and wind effects on travel times.

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Homework Statement



A plane flies flies into a 65 mi/h headwind. On the return trip from B to A, the wind velocity is unchanged. The trip from B to A takes 65 min less than the trip from A to B. What is the airspeed (assumed constant) of the plane?

a. 480 mi/h
c. 530 mi/h
b. 610 mi/h
d. 400 mi/h

Homework Equations



?

The Attempt at a Solution



65 min = 1.08 hrs
time from A to B = 2300 mi / 65 mi/hr = 35.4 hrs
time from B to A = 35.4 hrs - 1.08 hrs = 34.4 hrs

Not sure if I am doing it correctly and not sure where to go from here.
 
Last edited:
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First off, where did you get 2300 miles? No such number is mentioned in the problem statement. Secondly, even if you were told that the distance is 2300 miles, the plane cannot be flying at 65 mi/h if the headwind is also 65 mi/h because it would not move at all. Call the speed of the plane v and write two equations, one for the time A to B and one for the time B to A.
 

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