Thread: Using Cartesian Vectors

How would I solve the question below using Cartesian vectors?

10. A plane is flying southeast at a constant speed of 900 km/h. The wind is blowing towards the north at 100 km/h. Determine the resultant velocity of the plane relative to the ground.

How would I do this? I can use geometric vectors and get the correct answer and angle, but the the Cartesian vectors.

Originally Posted by Barthayn

How would I solve the question below using Cartesian vectors?

10. A plane is flying southeast at a constant speed of 900 km/h. The wind is blowing towards the north at 100 km/h. Determine the resultant velocity of the plane relative to the ground.

How would I do this? I can use geometric vectors and get the correct answer and angle, but the the Cartesian vectors.

air vector ,

wind vector,

ground vector,

add the components

I figured out my mistake, I thought the wind speed was 10 km/h. Thanks for your aid, however, what is i and j?

Originally Posted by Barthayn

... however, what is i and j?

i and j are the respective unit vectors in the x and y directions.