Final answer:
The resultant velocity of a plane flying north at 200 m/s against a headwind of 70 m/s is 130 m/s towards the north.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Relative Velocity in Physics
Above, a student has asked about the resultant velocity of a plane when there is a headwind. In situations involving relative velocity, such as an airplane encountering a headwind, the calculation is done by vector addition or subtraction. Here, we can subtract the velocity of the wind from the velocity of the plane if they are in opposite directions. Given that the plane flies north at 200 m/s, and there is a headwind blowing from the north at 70 m/s, the resultant velocity of the plane would be:
Resultant velocity = Plane's velocity - Wind's velocity
Resultant velocity = 200 m/s - 70 m/s
Resultant velocity = 130 m/s
Thus, the plane's velocity relative to the ground will be 130 m/s towards the north.