General

[quote=LowWillpower]This question didn't actually give vectors. Although the vector approach is a very clear way to show the problem, it's actually doing a lot more thinking than necessary.

Since it's a multiple choice question, it likely isn't worth much. It may have been assigned as the type of question that's supposed to take a few seconds. In that case, just by analyzing the question, you can tell that the two speeds are 90 degrees apart, so you can plug into Pythagorean theorem without even considering anything besides the magnitude of the vector required.

Just because a question can be more complicated, it does not mean it is reasonable to ask the more complicated version of that question. Due to the fact that it is multiple choice, it also can only have 1 answer. A question about the angle the plane must travel is just as easy to solve as the magnitude of velocity. If the question asked about the angle, you'd probably come in here complaining about how it isn't asking for velocity magnitude too.

I guess what I'm getting at is, I'm not sure why you are so judgy about this question when it is entirely out of context. You have no idea what else they are learning.[/quote]

Perhaps I am over thinking and taking this way too seriously. I don't even know why something so small even bothered me.
As long as OP knows that direction angles are associated with vectors and knows how to calculate them, then he should be good, I guess.

[quote=NoobCake]Basic Geometry and angles are taught in elementary school then you learn about Pythagorean Theorem in High School. These two are crucial in Physics, so why would they opt out something as important? Even if it is "basic" doesn't mean something so simply, yet practical, should be ignored. Just take the arctan of the direction vectors and voila, you have your angle. Easy, right? Why is it ignored then?

It amazes me how many people enter Intro Physic courses and still fail regardless of it being a "review" of High School.

Please highlight my original quote where I was bashing the OP. I made a statement asking if this is Physics for babies cause it's very ignorant to forget about the vector direction for questions like these. I'm proud of the OP for asking for help, but my concern is that the question did not ask for something important and I needed to pointed it out.

What I meant by BSing Physics is that you can't forget a direction when we're speaking of vectors (the question gave vectors, so you should give you answer in vectors). That's similar to forgetting your units at the end of your answer.

My ego isn't big enough nor do I feel "pride" for degrading someone. I'm someone who loves to help tutor people with this kinda stuff and it bothers me that you think I gain something from supposedly degrading the OP.

I'm a jerk because I'm trying to better myself? People should always be bettering themselves. I don't know where you live, but the world is full of nasty people, so stop thinking that everyone is nice to everyone. I don't know why you mentioned networking, seems irrelevant in this context.[/quote]
This question didn't actually give vectors. Although the vector approach is a very clear way to show the problem, it's actually doing a lot more thinking than necessary.

Since it's a multiple choice question, it likely isn't worth much. It may have been assigned as the type of question that's supposed to take a few seconds. In that case, just by analyzing the question, you can tell that the two speeds are 90 degrees apart, so you can plug into Pythagorean theorem without even considering anything besides the magnitude of the vector required.

Just because a question can be more complicated, it does not mean it is reasonable to ask the more complicated version of that question. Due to the fact that it is multiple choice, it also can only have 1 answer. A question about the angle the plane must travel is just as easy to solve as the magnitude of velocity. If the question asked about the angle, you'd probably come in here complaining about how it isn't asking for velocity magnitude too.

I guess what I'm getting at is, I'm not sure why you are so judgy about this question when it is entirely out of context. You have no idea what else they are learning.

@NoobCake: You shouldn't be a jerk to people who are trying to better themselves, but if you weren't being a jerk then I concede my statements.

[quote=LowWillpower]To "prepare" you always have to start somewhere.

Based on the fact the TS did indeed have some difficulty with the question, it's probably a good idea to start with the basics. Obviously just velocity magnitudes don't explain the entire situation, but that single solution can provide a basis for more complicated questions in this situation. The easier you make the basics to understand, the easier it is to build off.

Honestly, if you plan on taking university level mechanics, you likely have some inclination towards physics anyways. Highschool courses are somewhat preparation for university, but mostly they are to provide a good base level of knowledge in a topic. Especially when you consider that any university intro physics course will go over what you should already know from highschool.[/quote]

Basic Geometry and angles are taught in elementary school then you learn about Pythagorean Theorem in High School. These two are crucial in Physics, so why would they opt out something as important? Even if it is "basic" doesn't mean something so simply, yet practical, should be ignored. Just take the arctan of the direction vectors and voila, you have your angle. Easy, right? Why is it ignored then?

It amazes me how many people enter Intro Physic courses and still fail regardless of it being a "review" of High School.

[quote=ehnogi]@NoobCake:

Nobody is saying that you should BS physics. I'm only saying that you shouldn't bash people who are trying to learn it. The thread wasn't in support of BSing anything; it was literally somebody clearing up a misunderstanding regarding vectors.

You're right that physics is important. You're wrong for degrading someone else just because they are in a lower stage of education than you.
You don't bash people at the gym for being fat; you simply feel pride in knowing that somebody else is trying to better themselves.
A lot of people who are enthusiastic about the STEM field feel the same; they don't degrade somebody who's asking for help because they're lacking knowledge.

The real world means that you shouldn't be jerks to people who are trying to better themselves. You'll learn that when you go into industry; networking matters.[/quote]

Please highlight my original quote where I was bashing the OP. I made a statement asking if this is Physics for babies cause it's very ignorant to forget about the vector direction for questions like these. I'm proud of the OP for asking for help, but my concern is that the question did not ask for something important and I needed to pointed it out.

What I meant by BSing Physics is that you can't forget a direction when we're speaking of vectors (the question gave vectors, so you should give you answer in vectors). That's similar to forgetting your units at the end of your answer.

My ego isn't big enough nor do I feel "pride" for degrading someone. I'm someone who loves to help tutor people with this kinda stuff and it bothers me that you think I gain something from supposedly degrading the OP.

I'm a jerk because I'm trying to better myself? People should always be bettering themselves. I don't know where you live, but the world is full of nasty people, so stop thinking that everyone is nice to everyone. I don't know why you mentioned networking, seems irrelevant in this context.

gnore him he's just a 1st year cocky punk

@NoobCake:

Nobody is saying that you should BS physics. I'm only saying that you shouldn't bash people who are trying to learn it. The thread wasn't in support of BSing anything; it was literally somebody clearing up a misunderstanding regarding vectors.

You're right that physics is important. You're wrong for degrading someone else just because they are in a lower stage of education than you.
You don't bash people at the gym for being fat; you simply feel pride in knowing that somebody else is trying to better themselves.
A lot of people who are enthusiastic about the STEM field feel the same; they don't degrade somebody who's asking for help because they're lacking knowledge.

The real world means that you shouldn't be jerks to people who are trying to better themselves. You'll learn that when you go into industry; networking matters.

[quote=NoobCake]I believe you were talking to me, please learn how to quote next time.
This is grade 12 Physics, the stuff that is supposed to "prepare" you for University. Not including angle direction is crucial and I guess this is why a lot of people had a hard time with Physics: Mechanics in University, cause they're not exposed enough to the thought process and thinks everything is just plugged into an equation (sometimes that does work, but not always). Am I trying to be mean? Not really, just saying something that's for his own good.
This is coming from a guy who got an A- in Physics: Mechanics in University while the average was a C.[/quote]
To "prepare" you always have to start somewhere.

Based on the fact the TS did indeed have some difficulty with the question, it's probably a good idea to start with the basics. Obviously just velocity magnitudes don't explain the entire situation, but that single solution can provide a basis for more complicated questions in this situation. The easier you make the basics to understand, the easier it is to build off.

Honestly, if you plan on taking university level mechanics, you likely have some inclination towards physics anyways. Highschool courses are somewhat preparation for university, but mostly they are to provide a good base level of knowledge in a topic. Especially when you consider that any university intro physics course will go over what you should already know from highschool.

@ehnogi: Happened to be that odd moment when I check a thread I posted in. Nobody has to care about my accomplishments, just stating that I would know what's important based on experience. Your idea of the "real world" is that it's full of rainbows and sunshines (seeing how you take my critic as offensive), but it's actually the complete opposite. Anyhow, label me as "that guy" but it doesn't change the fact that you can't BS a course like Physics, which is important for all the STEM majors.

@NoobCake:

You took the message! I guess I didn't need to quote you after all.
It isn't nice to belittle someone when they're trying to learn. Your comment did nothing to help him and your defensive follow-up was egocentric. Nobody cares about your accomplishments; everybody now sees you as "that guy". Welcome to the real world.

[quote=ehnogi]Probably elementary physics. Pretty sure you had to learn this back then too. Stop being that guy. Such a d bag[/quote]

I believe you were talking to me, please learn how to quote next time.
This is grade 12 Physics, the stuff that is supposed to "prepare" you for University. Not including angle direction is crucial and I guess this is why a lot of people had a hard time with Physics: Mechanics in University, cause they're not exposed enough to the thought process and thinks everything is just plugged into an equation (sometimes that does work, but not always). Am I trying to be mean? Not really, just saying something that's for his own good.
This is coming from a guy who got an A- in Physics: Mechanics in University while the average was a C.

Probably elementary physics. Pretty sure you had to learn this back then too. Stop being that guy. Such a d bag

No angle direction? What is this, Physics for babies?

It is C. Tell your friend that you owe him a dollar.

You drew it wrong.

http://i.imgur.com/nCvsaUF.jpg

It's vector addition. Ground speed is directly to the location ideally for minimum distance to travel. Airspeed has to go against wind.

Answer is C.

Ignore the km/s labels lol. Too used to m/s and kg/s.

the answer is B