Question

A migrating robin flies due north with a speed of 12 m/s relative to the air. The air moves due east with a speed of 6.3 m/s relative to the ground.

Answer 1

consider east-west direction along X-axis and north-south direction along Y-axis

`V_(ra)` = velocity of migrating robin relative to air = 12 j m/s

(where "j" is unit vector in Y-direction)

`V_(ag)` = velocity of air relative to ground = 6.3 i m/s

(where "i" is unit vector in X-direction)

`V_(rg)` = velocity of migrating robin relative to ground = ?

using the equation

`V_(rg)` =
`V_(ra)` +
`V_(ag)`

`V_(rg)` = 12 j + 6.3 i

`V_(rg)` = 6.3 i + 12 j

magnitude : sqrt((6.3)² + (12)²) = 13.6 m/s

direction : tan⁻¹(12/6.3) = 62.3 deg north of east