Relative Velocity Problem: What is the True Velocity of the Wind?

In summary, the cyclist is traveling at different speeds in opposite directions and the wind appears to be blowing from different directions, but with this information, the true velocity of the wind can be calculated by using the N-S and E-W components and solving for the magnitude and direction. However, there may be some uncertainty when the wind is blowing purely from the East direction.
  • #1
binbagsss
1,254
11
When a women cycles N at 40kmh^-1, the wind appears to be blowing from a E direction, however when she cycles S at 50kmh^-1, the wind appears to be blowing from the SE.

Find the true velocity of the wind.

My attempt is attached - I have tried to solve through components and usingthe fact that the direction that the wind appears is known each time to establish an angle relationship with the components.

The only trouble is I am unsure what to set tan x when the direction is purely East.

Thanks alot.
 

Attachments

  • wind.png
    wind.png
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  • #2
The first part tells you the N-S component of the wind since the cyclist is at rest with respect to the wind. From that, you should be able to get the E-W component from the second part.
 

1. What is relative velocity?

Relative velocity is the measurement of the velocity of an object with respect to another object. It takes into account both the speed and direction of the objects and is usually expressed as a vector quantity.

2. How is relative velocity calculated?

Relative velocity is calculated by subtracting the velocity of one object from the velocity of another object. This can be done by using vector addition or by using the equation vrel = v1 - v2.

3. Why is relative velocity important in physics?

Relative velocity is important in physics because it allows us to understand and describe the motion of objects in relation to each other. It is particularly useful in situations where there is more than one moving object involved.

4. How does relative velocity relate to the concept of frames of reference?

Relative velocity is closely related to the concept of frames of reference. A frame of reference is a coordinate system used to describe the position and motion of objects. The relative velocity between two objects depends on the frame of reference chosen.

5. Can relative velocity be negative?

Yes, relative velocity can be negative. This occurs when the objects are moving in opposite directions, and the relative velocity is in the opposite direction of the larger velocity. In this case, the relative velocity is considered negative because it is in the opposite direction of the positive direction chosen in the frame of reference.

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