Final answer:
Taking into account the velocity of the plane and the wind vector, the apparent direction of the plane's travel is northwest, since the wind blowing from the northwest will add a westward component to the plane's northern travel.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine the apparent direction of the plane's travel as observed from the ground, we analyze the combined effects of the plane's velocity and the wind's velocity, both of which are vectors. The plane has a velocity vector of 45 m/s due north, and the wind provides an additional velocity vector of 30 m/s from the northwest. Given that there is no eastward component to the plane's velocity, the wind from the northwest will cause the resultant vector to be west of north, since the wind's northwest vector has both a northward and a westward component.
The apparent direction of the plane's travel when considering the vector contribution of the wind will thus be west of north. Without exact values for components, we cannot calculate the precise angle, but the direction will definitely be towards the northwest, as the westward component from the wind will alter the plane's original due north path.
Therefore, the correct answer to the student's question would be B. Northwest.