I'm having trouble with the question: Critique the phrase "airspeed velocity of a swallow." What is meant by this. I know a swallow is a bird and velocity is the speed of an object and the direction of its motion. Not sure the question is asking. Thanks..

Answer 1

The airspeed is the speed relative to still air. In the absence of other factors, the airspeed is the same as the ground speed. If the wind is blowing, the wind velocity must be added to the bird's velocity in still air (airspeed), to get the velocity relative to the ground, which is fixed. Naturally, the addition is done using vectors, since the directions must be factored in.

Answer 2

velocity of a swallow

Answer 3

Critique the phrase "airspeed velocity of a swallow."

Answer 4

something

Answer 5

huh?

Answer 6

Well since airspeed is the speed relative to still air. Than in the absence of other factors, the airspeed is the same as the ground speed. If the wind is blowing, the wind velocity must be added to the bird's velocity in still air (airspeed), to get the velocity relative to the ground, which is fixed. Naturally, the addition is done using vectors, since the directions must be factored in.