What are the new speed and direction of the plane relative to the grou

In summary, the plane's new speed and direction, relative to the ground, can be found by adding the two vectors representing its initial speed and the wind's speed and direction. Using triangle trigonometry or rectangular components, the magnitude and direction of the resultant vector can be calculated.
  • #1
philok
8
0

Homework Statement


a plane moving initially at 300mi/h to the east, suddenly enters region where the wind is blowing at 100 mi/h toward the direction 30 degree's north of east. What are the new speed and direction of the plane relative to the ground.


Homework Equations



Magnitude= sqrt(A^2 + B^2 - 2ABcos ([STRIKE]0[/STRIKE]))
Angle= [STRIKE]0[/STRIKE] = tan-1(B/A)

The Attempt at a Solution



This is suppose to be a pretty straight forward question but I am not getting it. I first tried the first equation A=300 B=100. I am not coming up with the answer.
 
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  • #2


The soln is the sum of the two vectors (300 m/h E + 100m/h 30 deg N of E). Draw the first vector (arrow), then the second beginning with its tail at the tip of the first. Complete the triangle, then use triangle trigonometry to find the magnitude and direction of the third side. Alternatively, write both vectors in terms of their rectangular components and find the resultant that way.
 
  • #3


Show your calculations.
 
  • #4


OK got it. Thanks!
 

Related to What are the new speed and direction of the plane relative to the grou

1. What is the formula for calculating the new speed and direction of a plane relative to the ground?

The formula for calculating the new speed and direction of a plane relative to the ground is the vector addition of the plane's airspeed and the wind velocity. This can be represented as: v(plane) = v(airspeed) + v(wind). The resulting vector will be the new speed and direction of the plane relative to the ground.

2. How does wind affect the speed and direction of a plane relative to the ground?

Wind affects the speed and direction of a plane relative to the ground because it acts as an external force on the plane. Depending on the direction and speed of the wind, it can either help or hinder the plane's airspeed, resulting in a change in the plane's overall speed and direction relative to the ground.

3. Is the new speed and direction of a plane relative to the ground always the same as its airspeed and direction?

No, the new speed and direction of a plane relative to the ground is not always the same as its airspeed and direction. This is because the plane is moving through a medium (air) that is also moving (wind). The combination of these two movements results in a different speed and direction relative to the ground.

4. What factors can influence the new speed and direction of a plane relative to the ground?

The new speed and direction of a plane relative to the ground can be influenced by various factors such as the strength and direction of the wind, the weight and aerodynamics of the plane, and any external forces acting on the plane during flight.

5. How do pilots account for wind when determining the speed and direction of a plane relative to the ground?

Pilots use a variety of tools and techniques to account for wind when determining the speed and direction of a plane relative to the ground. These can include flight instruments, such as an airspeed indicator and heading indicator, as well as weather reports and flight planning software that take wind conditions into consideration.

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