Relative Velocity Bird Flying Problem

In summary, the question is about finding the true velocity of the wind based on the given information. The conversation includes the steps taken to solve the problem and the difference between the answer obtained and the answer given in the book. The conclusion is that the answer given in the book is correct and the mistake was made in reading the question properly.
  • #1
danago
Gold Member
1,123
4
Hey. I've done this question, but my answer is only partly correct according to the answer book. Heres the question:

"To a bird flying at 20km/h on a bearing of 160 degrees, the wind seems to be coming from the south at 25km/h. Find the true velocity of the wind"

ok. I said that B is the velocity of the bird, W is the velocity of the wind, and O is the origin. I then found that:

[tex]
\begin{array}{l}
\overrightarrow {OB} = \left( {\begin{array}{*{20}c}
{20\cos 70} \\
{ - 20\sin 70} \\
\end{array}} \right) \\
\overrightarrow {BW} = \left( {\begin{array}{*{20}c}
0 \\
{25} \\
\end{array}} \right) \\
\end{array}
[/tex]

I then said that:
[tex]
\begin{array}{l}
\overrightarrow {BW} = \overrightarrow {BO} + \overrightarrow {OW} \\
\left( {\begin{array}{*{20}c}
0 \\
{25} \\
\end{array}} \right) = - \left( {\begin{array}{*{20}c}
{20\cos 70} \\
{ - 20\sin 70} \\
\end{array}} \right) + \overrightarrow {OW} \\
\overrightarrow {OW} = \left( {\begin{array}{*{20}c}
{20\cos 70} \\
{25 - 20\sin 70} \\
\end{array}} \right) \\
\end{array}
[/tex]

I then found the answer to be 9.24km/h on a bearing of 48 degrees, but the answer says 9.24hm/h on a bearing of 228 degrees. Have i gone wrong somewhere? is the book wrong? any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Dan.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Ok thanks to anyone who read this and would have helped, but i seem to have solved my own problem :P The answer gave the velocity of the wind coming FROM 228 degrees. The answer i obtained was the wind going TO a direction of 48 degrees.

Guess id better learn to read properly :P
 
  • #3
oh yay good job 10chars
 

FAQ: Relative Velocity Bird Flying Problem

What is relative velocity in the context of a bird flying problem?

Relative velocity in this context refers to the speed and direction of an object (the bird) relative to a frame of reference (the ground).

How is relative velocity calculated in a bird flying problem?

Relative velocity is calculated by taking into account the velocity of the bird and the velocity of the frame of reference (in this case, the ground). The relative velocity is the vector sum of these two velocities.

Can relative velocity change during the flight of the bird?

Yes, relative velocity can change during the flight of the bird. This can occur if either the bird's velocity or the ground's velocity changes. For example, if the bird changes its speed or direction, the relative velocity will also change.

How does wind affect the relative velocity of a bird flying?

Wind can affect the relative velocity of a bird flying by adding an additional velocity vector to the bird's motion. If the wind is blowing in the same direction as the bird's flight, it will increase the bird's relative velocity. If the wind is blowing in the opposite direction, it will decrease the bird's relative velocity.

What is the significance of relative velocity in a bird flying problem?

Relative velocity is significant in a bird flying problem because it allows us to understand the bird's motion in relation to a frame of reference (the ground). This can help us determine the bird's speed and direction, as well as how external factors like wind may affect its flight.

Back
Top