Solving a Jet Aircraft Velocity Problem: Understanding and Correcting Mistakes

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The discussion centers on solving a physics problem regarding the velocity of a jet aircraft traveling at 310 m/s at 35° south of east. The initial calculation incorrectly finds the southern component of velocity to be 254 m/s, which is actually the eastern component. Participants emphasize the importance of accurately drawing the vector diagram to identify the correct components. The correct southern component should be calculated using sine, leading to the expected answer of 178 m/s. The error stems from misinterpreting the angle and diagram orientation.
ms. confused
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Hello! I was wondering if anyone could tell me if I was solving this Physics problem correctly:

A jet aircraft is traveling at 310 m/s at 35° south of east. What is the southern component of its velocity?


Calculation:
cos35°= x/310
310cos35= x
254 m/s = x

The real answer is supposed to be 178 m/s, but I keep getting 254 even if I solve it graphically. So...what, if anything, am I doing wrong?
 
Last edited:
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Check your angles again. The plane is traveling at 35° south of east. You did not draw the vector diagram correctly.
 
You are getting the eastern component. They want the southern component, which is the component of the vector pointing downwards.
 
Oh, looks like i should have checked your diagram first. Looks like Sirus is right, the diagram is drawn incorrectly.
 
Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Starting with the mass considerations #m(t)# is mass of water #M_{c}# mass of container and #M(t)# mass of total system $$M(t) = M_{C} + m(t)$$ $$\Rightarrow \frac{dM(t)}{dt} = \frac{dm(t)}{dt}$$ $$P_i = Mv + u \, dm$$ $$P_f = (M + dm)(v + dv)$$ $$\Delta P = M \, dv + (v - u) \, dm$$ $$F = \frac{dP}{dt} = M \frac{dv}{dt} + (v - u) \frac{dm}{dt}$$ $$F = u \frac{dm}{dt} = \rho A u^2$$ from conservation of momentum , the cannon recoils with the same force which it applies. $$\quad \frac{dm}{dt}...
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