Solving the Ships P and Q Problem

  • Thread starter Thread starter mathsmathsmaths
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Ships
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving the Ships P and Q problem involving vector mathematics and relative motion. Ship P's velocity is determined to be 3i + 8j km/h, derived from its position vectors at specific times. The position vectors for both ships are established as P = (20i + 10j) + (3i + 8j)t and Q = (14i - 6j) + (12j)t. The distance squared between the two ships is expressed as d² = 25t² - 92t + 292, which requires the subtraction of Q from P to derive the correct formula.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector mathematics and position vectors
  • Familiarity with velocity and motion concepts
  • Knowledge of quadratic equations and distance formulas
  • Basic proficiency in algebraic manipulation
NEXT STEPS
  • Study vector addition and subtraction in physics
  • Learn about relative motion and its applications
  • Explore quadratic equations and their graphical interpretations
  • Investigate real-world applications of kinematics in navigation
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics or mathematics, educators teaching vector motion, and anyone interested in solving problems related to relative motion and kinematics.

mathsmathsmaths
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
Two ships P and Q are traveling at night with constant velocities. At midnight,P is at point with position vector (20i + 10j) km relative to fixed origin 0. At the same time, q is at the point with position vectro (14i - 6J)Km. Three hours later, P is at point with position vector (29i + 34j) Km . the ship Q travels with velocity 12jkm h^-1 . At time t hours after midnight, the position vector of P and Q are p km and qKm respectively. find

a) the velocity of P, in terms of i and j.

i got

t=3= (20i + 10j)Km + 3( i + J)

t = 3 = (20i + 10j)Km + 3( i + J) = (29 i + 34j)

= 20 + 3i = 29

i = 3

then 10 + 3b = 34j

so b = 8j

Then velocity will be = 3i + 8j

(ok now i need someone to see if this part is right please.)

B) Then i got to find an expression for P and Q in terms of t, i and j

I got

P= (20i + 10j)+ ( 3i + 8J)t

and For Q = (14i - 6j) + (12j)t

then the questions goes :

At time t hours after midnight, the disatnce between p and Q is d Km.

c) by finding an expression For PQ show that

d^2 = 25t^2 - 92t + 292.

Now for this one i know that i have to take away Q from P but does it mean i take away the following :

Q = (14i - 6j) + (12j)t - P= (20i + 10j)+ ( 3i + 8J)t

Because i get the worng answer, so what i want from someone is to kindly, see if i have done part A and B right and to show me how to do C because i ahve been goign in circles, and no hope, so can someone please help thank you.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Just subtract Q from P.

"I got

P= (20i + 10j)+ ( 3i + 8J)t

and For Q = (14i - 6j) + (12j)t"

I.e. [(20i + 10j)+ ( 3i + 8J)t]-[(14i - 6j) + (12j)t].
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 63 ·
3
Replies
63
Views
6K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
7K
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
8K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K