Final answer:
Several factors can cause an airplane pilot flying from San Francisco to Sacramento to end up anywhere on a circle. The presence of wind and the Earth's curvature are two key factors. Additional information such as wind direction and speed, as well as the desired flying angle, would be needed to reach Sacramento.
Step-by-step explanation:
When an airplane pilot is instructed to fly 123 km in a straight line from San Francisco to Sacramento, there are several factors that can cause the pilot to end up anywhere on the circle shown in Figure 3.48. One factor is the presence of wind which can cause the plane to drift off course. Another factor is the Earth's curvature, which means that as the pilot flies in a straight line, they are actually following the curve of the Earth. To reach Sacramento, the pilot would need additional information such as the direction and speed of the wind, as well as the angle at which they are supposed to fly relative to the ground.
Sacramento, there are several factors that can cause the pilot to end up anywhere on the circle shown in Figure 3.48. One factor is the presence of wind which can cause the plane to drift off course. Another factor is the Earth's curvature, which means that as the pilot flies in a straight line, they are actually following the curve of the Earth. To reach Sacramento, the pilot would need additional information such as the direction and speed of the wind, as well as the angle at which they are supposed to fly relative to the ground.