A rocket is launched into the sky on a windy day. The rocket has a vertical velocity of 15 m/s. There is a strong wind blowing east to west at 35 m/s. How far from the start point is the rocket after 60 seconds?

2 answers

vertical travel:
y = 15t
horizontal travel:
x = 35t

actual distance:
d = √(x^2+y^2)
= √(15t)^2 + (35t)^2)
= 5√58 t
At t=60, d=2285 m

Assuming the rocket does not run out of fuel and go ballistic (literally)
vertical travel:
y = 15t
horizontal travel:
x = 35t

actual distance:
d = √(x^2+y^2)
= √(15t)^2 + (35t)^2)
= 5√58 t
At t=60, d=2285 m