Solving Vectors Question: Wind Direction & Velocity

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves determining the direction and velocity of wind based on observations made by a person traveling eastward at different speeds. The context is rooted in vector analysis and relative motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of vector triangles to represent the wind and the person's velocity. There are attempts to clarify the relationship between the observed wind direction and the person's speed. Questions arise regarding the setup of the diagrams and the interpretation of the problem's parameters.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered guidance on how to approach the problem using vector diagrams. There is an ongoing exploration of the correct labeling and understanding of the vectors involved. Multiple interpretations of the setup are being considered, and participants are seeking clarification on specific points.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of confusion regarding the distances and the need for a proper understanding of relative velocities. Participants are also questioning the assumptions made about the wind's direction and the representation of the problem in two dimensions.

AquaAqua
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Hey, I am new to the forum, but I've seen peoples help here and some of it is really good, but i have a question that i just don't get...

"A person traveling eastward at the rate if 4.0kmhr-1 observes that the wind seems to blow directly from the north after doubling his speed the wind appears to come from the north east, determine the direction of the wind and its velocity."

I tried drawing it on a graph but i got lost , i don't know what to do, and I am sure its really easy to...
any help?
 
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Welcome to PF!

HeyHey AquaAqua! Welcome to PF! :smile:
AquaAqua said:
"A person traveling eastward at the rate if 4.0kmhr-1 observes that the wind seems to blow directly from the north after doubling his speed the wind appears to come from the north east, determine the direction of the wind and its velocity."

As you've probably guessed, you need two vector triangles to solve this …

one has sides of lengths w (for the wind) and 4.0, and you know the directions of two of the sides …

the other has sides of lengths w (for the wind) and 8.0, and again you know the directions of two of the sides …

and you can simplify matters by putting the two triangles together, since the "wind" side is the same direction and length for each. :wink:
 


tiny-tim said:
HeyHey AquaAqua! Welcome to PF! :smile:


As you've probably guessed, you need two vector triangles to solve this …

one has sides of lengths w (for the wind) and 4.0, and you know the directions of two of the sides …

the other has sides of lengths w (for the wind) and 8.0, and again you know the directions of two of the sides …

and you can simplify matters by putting the two triangles together, since the "wind" side is the same direction and length for each. :wink:

Hey tiny tim, thanks for your help, but I am a bit physics retarded and I'm still not completley getting it...

attached an image of what i think i need to do?
can you maybe clarify?
BIG THANKYOU
 

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Hey AquaAqua! :smile:

First, where did 12 come from? The two speeds east are 4 and 8. :wink:

Second, if w is meant to be the unknown speed Vwg of the wind relative to the ground (the same in both cases), then it isn't vertical (North).

Try again! :smile:​
 
Hey Tiny-Tim

,because it implies his journey at now8kmhr-1 from the point he was at (whiich was 4km from the origin...

So is it a 3d diagram?
hint, pretty please :D
 
Hey AquaAqua! :smile:
AquaAqua said:
because it implies his journey at now8kmhr-1 from the point he was at (whiich was 4km from the origin...

ah, no, the distances don't matter at all in a question like this.

This question is about relative velocities, and all you need is the velocities (ie, their magnitudes and directions) themselves.

The question says "after doubling his speed", which as you say is 8 kmhr-1.
So is it a 3d diagram?

No, it's two 2D diagrams stuck together … still 2D! :wink:

Your original diagram was the right idea, you've just labelled it wrong.

Redraw it, with w (the velocity of the wind relative to the ground) not from the north or north-east. :smile:
 

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