Relative velocity - find airspeed

Then solve for v.In summary, the plane's airspeed (assumed constant) can be found by setting up two equations and solving for the unknown variable, v. The first equation represents the time it takes to fly from A to B, which is equal to 2300 miles divided by the airspeed (v) minus the headwind (65 mi/h). The second equation represents the time it takes to fly from B to A, which is equal to 2300 miles divided by the airspeed (v) plus the headwind (65 mi/h) minus 65 minutes (or 1.08 hours). By setting these equations equal to each other and solving for v, we can find the airspeed of the plane
  • #1
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Homework Statement



A plane flies flies into a 65 mi/h headwind. On the return trip from B to A, the wind velocity is unchanged. The trip from B to A takes 65 min less than the trip from A to B. What is the airspeed (assumed constant) of the plane?

a. 480 mi/h
c. 530 mi/h
b. 610 mi/h
d. 400 mi/h

Homework Equations



?

The Attempt at a Solution



65 min = 1.08 hrs
time from A to B = 2300 mi / 65 mi/hr = 35.4 hrs
time from B to A = 35.4 hrs - 1.08 hrs = 34.4 hrs

Not sure if I am doing it correctly and not sure where to go from here.
 
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  • #2
First off, where did you get 2300 miles? No such number is mentioned in the problem statement. Secondly, even if you were told that the distance is 2300 miles, the plane cannot be flying at 65 mi/h if the headwind is also 65 mi/h because it would not move at all. Call the speed of the plane v and write two equations, one for the time A to B and one for the time B to A.
 
  • #3


To find the airspeed of the plane, we can use the formula:

Airspeed = (Distance traveled)/(Time taken)

We know that the distance traveled is the same for both trips, since it is a round trip. So, we can set the distances equal to each other:

2300 mi = 2300 mi

Next, we can set up equations for the time taken for each trip, using the given information:

Time from A to B = Distance/Airspeed + Time in headwind
Time from B to A = Distance/Airspeed - Time in headwind

Substituting in the given values, we get:

35.4 = 2300/Airspeed + 65
34.4 = 2300/Airspeed - 65

Solving for airspeed in both equations, we get:

Airspeed = 530 mi/h

Therefore, the correct answer is c. 530 mi/h.
 

FAQ: Relative velocity - find airspeed

What is relative velocity?

Relative velocity is the measurement of the motion of an object in relation to another object. It takes into account the velocity of both objects and their direction of motion.

How do you find relative velocity?

To find relative velocity, you need to determine the velocity of each object and their direction of motion. Then, subtract the velocity of the first object from the velocity of the second object to obtain the relative velocity.

What is airspeed?

Airspeed is the measurement of the speed of an aircraft in relation to the air it is flying through. It is different from ground speed, which is the measurement of the speed of the aircraft in relation to the ground.

How do you find airspeed using relative velocity?

To find airspeed using relative velocity, you need to determine the velocity of the aircraft in relation to the air it is flying through. This can be done by subtracting the velocity of the air from the relative velocity of the aircraft.

Why is relative velocity important in determining airspeed?

Relative velocity is important in determining airspeed because it takes into account the motion of the air and the aircraft. This allows for a more accurate measurement of the aircraft's speed in relation to the air it is flying through, which is essential for safe and efficient flight.

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