6
QuizMultiple Choice

Applying Vectors in the Plane — Quiz

Question 6 • Precalculus

An airplane is headed due south with an airspeed of 300 kph. A wind is blowing from the west at 120 kph. What is the ground speed and direction of the plane?

Answer
A
323 kph with a directional bearing of cap s 22 degrees cap e
B
420 kph with a directional bearing of cap s 68 degrees cap e
C
328 kph with a directional bearing of cap s 68 degrees cap e
D
420 kph with a directional bearing of cap s 22 degrees cap e

Explanation

The plane’s airspeed is 300 kph south, and the wind adds 120 kph east because it blows from the west. These perpendicular velocity components give a ground speed of √(300² + 120²) ≈ 323 kph. The direction is arctan(120/300) ≈ 22° east of south, so the answer is 323 kph with a bearing of S 22° E.

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.

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