Solve Stationary Radar Homework: Find Ship's Velocity

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves determining the velocity of a ship based on its positions relative to a stationary radar operator at two different times. The subject area includes concepts from kinematics and vector analysis.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss drawing a diagram to visualize the ship's movement and the positions at two time points. There is confusion regarding the identification of a right angle in the setup and the use of unit vectors for representation.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants attempting to clarify the geometric relationships in the problem. Some guidance has been offered regarding the diagram and the lines representing the ship's path, but there is no consensus on the right angle or the use of unit vectors.

Contextual Notes

Participants have expressed confusion about the geometric setup and the need for specific vector representations, indicating potential gaps in understanding the problem's requirements.

Loppyfoot
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Homework Statement


A stationary radar operator determines that a ship is 12 km south of him. An hour later the same ship is 10 km southeast. If the ship moved at constant speed and always in the same direction, what was its velocity during this time?

This is so easy but I am just so confused about how to solve it.
 
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Draw a diagram.
Find the two points and draw a line joining them - from the triangle you can find the length of the line (it's even a right angle to make it easier!)
 
I drew the diagram, but I couldn't find a right angle anywhere. Where is this right angle? I need to find the i and j unit vectors, but how?
 
There is a line from the ship due south (ie down the page)
Then a line from the ship southeast ( 45deg down-left)
Then you have a line joining them - that's the path of the ship - you just need to find the length of this line
 
How would I find this in i and j vectors?
 

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