Using only measurements from the ground, determine the air speed of a passenger jet flying over the university.
What methods should I use?
To determine the air speed of a passenger jet flying over the university using only measurements from the ground, you can use the following methods:
1. Radar: Most airports and air traffic control centers have radar systems that can measure the ground speed of aircraft. Ground speed is the speed of an aircraft relative to the ground, which is a combination of its airspeed and the wind speed. By subtracting the wind speed (which can be obtained from weather reports) from the ground speed, you can estimate the airspeed of the aircraft.
2. Plane Spotting: If you have knowledge and experience in plane spotting, you can visually estimate the speed of the aircraft based on its apparent movement across the sky. Compare the time it takes for the jet to travel a known distance with a stopwatch, and use this information to estimate its airspeed.
3. Flight Tracking Apps/Websites: There are many flight tracking applications and websites available that provide real-time information on aircraft positions, altitudes, and speeds. By entering the information related to the aircraft passing over the university, such as flight number or aircraft type, you can track the aircraft and obtain its speed. However, keep in mind that this method may not always accurately represent the current aircraft's airspeed due to factors like signal delay or inaccuracy in the tracking data.
Please note that the methods mentioned above provide estimations of the airspeed rather than exact measurements. For precise airspeed measurements, specialized aircraft instruments, such as an airspeed indicator or Pitot tube, are required. These instruments provide direct measurements of an aircraft's airspeed by measuring the difference between the static air pressure and the total air pressure.