9
QuizMultiple Choice

Applying Vectors in the Plane

Question 9 • 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 S 22° E
B
328 kph with a directional bearing of S 68° E
C
420 kph with a directional bearing of S 22° E
D
420 kph with a directional bearing of S 68° E

Explanation

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

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.

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