This dual vector situation uses a plane. The speed and direction of the plane are determined by two vectors: a blue vector representing the velocity of the plane, and a red vector representing the velocity of the wind. The object of the game is to have the plane intercept the hurricane.
The magnitude and direction of either vector can be changed by (1) using the mouse to drag either end of the arrow or (2) adjusting the sliders for magnitude and direction below the screen. Click and drag the middle point of the arrow to relocate the vector elsewhere on the screen.
The Start/Stop Plane button puts the plane in motion and stops it. The Reset Plane button returns the car to its original location.
Show Hurricane makes the hurricane (the "target" of the game) visible. Show Graph places the velocity vectors on a grid, and Sound On turns the sound on or off.
Show Vector Sum places a black vector on the screen. This vector represents the actual speed and direction of the plane, which is a combination of the blue and red vectors.
For more information about a possible mathematics investigation that uses this applet, see the associated Sums of Vectors E‑Example.
