Math Problem Statement
A plane flies at a speed of 250 mph at a bearing of 10º east of south when it encounters an 60 mph wind from the west. What are the new direction and speed?
Solution
To determine the new direction and speed of the plane, we analyze the vectors involved using vector addition. Here's how we solve the problem:
Step 1: Represent the velocity of the plane
The velocity vector of the plane is given as 250 mph at a bearing of east of south. Converting this to Cartesian components:
- The angle relative to the south (negative -axis) is .
- Breaking the velocity into components:
Step 2: Represent the wind velocity
The wind is blowing at 60 mph from the west, so its components are: V_{\text{wind},x} = -60 \quad \text{(west is negative x)}
Step 3: Add the vectors
The resultant velocity components are: Substituting:
Step 4: Calculate the magnitude of the resultant velocity
The magnitude of the resultant velocity is:
Step 5: Calculate the direction
The direction is measured as the angle (relative to the south): Adjust the angle depending on the quadrant of the resultant vector.
Let’s calculate this step-by-step. math
Plane speed and direction
plane_speed = 250 # mph plane_angle = 10 # degrees (east of south)
Wind speed
wind_speed = 60 # mph
Plane velocity components
V_plane_x = plane_speed * math.sin(math.radians(plane_angle)) # eastward component V_plane_y = -plane_speed * math.cos(math.radians(plane_angle)) # southward component
Wind velocity components
V_wind_x = -wind_speed # westward component V_wind_y = 0 # no north-south component
Resultant velocity components
V_result_x = V_plane_x + V_wind_x V_result_y = V_plane_y + V_wind_y
Magnitude of resultant velocity
V_result_magnitude = math.sqrt(V_result_x2 + V_result_y2)
Direction of resultant velocity (angle relative to south)
theta = math.degrees(math.atan2(V_result_x, -V_result_y)) # angle relative to south
V_result_magnitude, thetaThe new speed and direction of the plane are as follows:
- Speed:
- Direction: west of south (negative indicates westward deviation).
Detailed Breakdown:
- The wind reduces the effective eastward speed, causing the plane to drift slightly westward.
- The new direction deviates slightly from the original east of south, ending up at west of south.
Would you like a detailed step-by-step explanation or visual representation?
Related Questions:
- How does wind speed affect the resultant velocity of a moving object?
- What are the advantages of using vector addition in navigation problems?
- How would the solution change if the wind blew from the east instead of the west?
- How can you convert bearings into Cartesian components efficiently?
- What tools can pilots use to compensate for wind drift in real-time?
Tip: Always double-check the reference direction when interpreting angles in navigation problems.
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Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Vector Addition
Trigonometry
Navigation
Formulas
Vx = V * sin(θ)
Vy = V * cos(θ)
Resultant Magnitude = sqrt(Vx^2 + Vy^2)
Resultant Angle = tan⁻¹(Vx / Vy)
Theorems
Pythagorean Theorem
Trigonometric Angle Relationships
Suitable Grade Level
Grades 10-12
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