Question

Airplanes that fly with the wind move more quickly than those that fly into the wind. Based on what the passage tells you about prevailing winds, which of the following airplane trips would take the longest?

Option 1: Eastward flight with a strong tailwind
Option 2: Westward flight with a strong headwind
Option 3: Northward flight with crosswinds
Option 4: Southward flight with crosswinds

Answer 1

The westward flight with a strong headwind (Option 2) would take the longest because the airplane would have to battle against the wind, reducing its ground speed and increasing travel time.

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on the information provided regarding the effect of wind on an airplane's total velocity, the flight that would take the longest would be: Option 2: Westward flight with a strong headwind. A headwind is a wind that blows directly against the direction of travel. This means that an airplane flying westward against the prevailing wind would be fighting against the wind, resulting in a total velocity that is lower than its velocity in still air, thus increasing the time required to reach the destination.