Vector Displacement calculation

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the vector displacement of an airplane that takes off and changes direction during its flight. The subject area pertains to vector analysis in physics, specifically focusing on displacement and direction in two-dimensional motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the utility of sketching the airplane's path to visualize the problem. There are suggestions to use right triangles to represent the vectors and to consider trigonometric relationships to aid in the calculations.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different methods to approach the problem. Suggestions for visual aids and the use of trigonometry indicate a productive direction, though no consensus or final method has been established yet.

Contextual Notes

One participant mentions limited experience with physics, which may affect their understanding of the problem setup and solution strategies. There is an emphasis on the need for clarification and guidance in approaching vector problems.

Lief Vercron
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An airplane takes off and flies 245 km on a course of 45.0° south of west and then
changes direction and flies 175 km due south, where it lands. Find the displacement
from its starting point to its landing point.

I have literally no idea how to approach this, I worked with physics only sparingly in my homeschooling, and I need help figuring out the approach to this type of equation. I'm a quick learner though!
 
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Lief Vercron said:
An airplane takes off and flies 245 km on a course of 45.0° south of west and then
changes direction and flies 175 km due south, where it lands. Find the displacement
from its starting point to its landing point.

I have literally no idea how to approach this, I worked with physics only sparingly in my homeschooling, and I need help figuring out the approach to this type of equation. I'm a quick learner though!
Why don't you make a sketch of the plane's travels? With a picture, that may give you some ideas on how to tackle this problem.
 
SteamKing said:
Why don't you make a sketch of the plane's travels? With a picture, that may give you some ideas on how to tackle this problem.
Right triangles off of each vector to the x/y lines?
 
Lief Vercron said:
Right triangles off of each vector to the x/y lines?
If that's what your diagram shows. Trig is usually helpful in solving these types of problems.
 

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