Physics Phail

Easy physics question, but I fail:

Q: A sparrow’s maximum air speed is 10m/s. She wants to fly to her nest 10m due north, but there is a wind blowing from W to E at 10m/s. What direction should she fly?

A: It can’t be done. Velocity will be northeast.


Seriously. Physics 1. I hate physics.  I liek math.

>>11
acceleration is not irrelevant.  the wind moving at 10m/s applies a particular force against the bird, which will amount to a certain acceleration, dependent on that force and the mass of the bird.  you are suggesting that this force instantly accelerates the bird to 10m/s.  is it not possible that, depending on the mass of the bird, it may be able to fly directly west, before reaching velocity relative to the ground east-west, and then turn slightly north, begin to have an easterly velocity relative to the ground, while also maintaining a slight velocity toward the north.  depending on how fast the bird can accelerate itself to 10m/s, how fast the wind could accelerate the bird to 10m/s, the bird might be able to get to the nest.