Trig -- An airplane is ascending at an angle of 10 degrees

In summary: Neither of your diagrams is correct. The plane travels along a straight line which is at 10° to the horizontal. Initially it is directly above the observer at a height of 2000m. Twenty seconds later, the angle which the line from the observer to the plane makes with the horizontal is 48°.Let the speed of the plane be v\,\mathrm{ms}^{-1}, so that the distance traveled by the plane (along its line of ascent) in 20 seconds is 20v meters. That gives you two relevant lengths. Can you find a triangle which has those as two of its sides?So, here's my latest attempt. I should note that this is in
  • #1
Hierophant
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0

Homework Statement


An airplane is ascending at an angle of 10 degrees is detected 2000m directly above an observer after 20 seconds the angle of elevation to the plane is 48 degrees. How fast is the plane going?

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


I just don't know what to do next, I've tried several additional extrapolated triangles. but to no avail. I'm not sure if what I have up to this point is even right!
My attempt is in the associated image
 

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  • #2
Neither of your diagrams is correct.

The plane travels along a straight line which is at 10° to the horizontal. Initially it is directly above the observer at a height of 2000m. Twenty seconds later, the angle which the line from the observer to the plane makes with the horizontal is 48°.

Let the speed of the plane be [itex]v\,\mathrm{ms}^{-1}[/itex], so that the distance traveled by the plane (along its line of ascent) in 20 seconds is [itex]20v[/itex] meters.

That gives you two relevant lengths. Can you find a triangle which has those as two of its sides?
 
  • #3
So, here's my latest attempt.

I should note that this is in the challenge section of this very short trig book. I'm not sure if I am taking the right approach, I was wondering if you could guide me a bit more, this is killing me!

I don't think the standard approaches provided by the book apply here, or there's some leap that you have to take first. This is second to last question in the book. All before this I was just blitzing, finishing this 70 page textbook in two days.
 

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  • #4
Your diagram is correct, and the sine rule is the correct method, but there is sufficient information given for you to determine the angle CAB. Remember that you are asked to find the speed [itex]v[/itex].
 
  • #5
Hierophant said:

Homework Statement


An airplane is ascending at an angle of 10 degrees is detected 2000m directly above an observer after 20 seconds the angle of elevation to the plane is 48 degrees. How fast is the plane going?
10 degrees to the horizontal is 80 degrees to the vertical. Further, an angle of elevation of 40 degrees is 50 degrees to the vertical. Those two angles add to 130 degrees so the third angle in the triangle is 180- 130= 50 degrees. The distance between the 80 and 50 degree angles is 2000m so you can use the sine law to find the other lengths. In particular, the distance the airplane flew in 20 seconds is the side opposite the first 50 degree angle.


2. Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I just don't know what to do next, I've tried several additional extrapolated triangles. but to no avail. I'm not sure if what I have up to this point is even right!
My attempt is in the associated image
 

FAQ: Trig -- An airplane is ascending at an angle of 10 degrees

1. What is the definition of trigonometry?

Trigonometry is a branch of mathematics that deals with the study of triangles and the relationships between their sides and angles.

2. How is trigonometry used in aviation?

Trigonometry plays a crucial role in aviation as it helps pilots calculate the angles and distances between their plane and other objects, such as other aircraft or landmarks on the ground.

3. How can trigonometry be used to determine the height of an airplane?

By using trigonometric functions, such as sine, cosine, and tangent, along with the known angle of ascent, the height of an airplane can be calculated using the formula: height = distance x tangent(angle).

4. Can trigonometry be used for navigation in flight?

Yes, trigonometry is essential for navigation in flight, as it allows pilots to determine their position and course using angles and distances between points.

5. What other areas of aviation rely on trigonometry?

In addition to navigation, trigonometry is also used in aviation for tasks such as calculating the optimal angle for takeoff and landing, determining the required bank angle for turns, and measuring the distance between two airports.

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