Calculate Total Boat Trip Distance: 70° & 272° Directions

  • Thread starter FrostScYthe
  • Start date
In summary, a boat travels from a dock in a direction of 70°, then changes direction to 272° and ends up 150 km north of its starting position. Using the Sine Law, the total distance traveled can be calculated by measuring the angles clockwise from north and using the correct diagram. The original attempt at solving the problem may have been incorrect due to incorrect angle measurements.
  • #1
FrostScYthe
80
0

Homework Statement


A boat leaves the dock and sails in a direction of 70°. Once reaching its destination on the opposite shore, it sails
in a direction of 272° and docks 150 km north of its original starting position. What is the total distance the boat
has traveled?

Homework Equations


Sine Law


The Attempt at a Solution


I don't think I'm getting the right answer because I'm not representing the problem correctly. This is how I'm representing the problem then I just simply use AAS

http://img243.imageshack.us/my.php?image=untitledce7.jpg
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Your angles are incorrect- they should be measured from north in a clockwise direction. Using this, you should be able to draw the correct diagram, where the final poistion is due north of the starting position.
 
  • #3
I assume the 272° is with respect to the 'horizontal axis'?
 

1. How do I calculate the total boat trip distance using 70° and 272° directions?

To calculate the total boat trip distance, you will need to use trigonometric functions such as sine, cosine, and tangent. First, draw a diagram of the boat trip with the given directions. Then, use the law of cosines to find the distance between the starting point and the end point. Finally, use the law of sines to find the distance between the two points along the curved path. Add these two distances together to get the total boat trip distance.

2. Can I use a calculator to calculate the total boat trip distance?

Yes, you can use a calculator to help with the calculations involved in finding the total boat trip distance. Make sure to use the appropriate trigonometric functions and double check your calculations to ensure accuracy.

3. Do I need to know the length of the boat to calculate the total boat trip distance?

No, you do not need to know the length of the boat to calculate the total boat trip distance. The distance is based on the directions given and the curved path traveled, not the length of the boat.

4. What units should I use for the total boat trip distance?

The units for the total boat trip distance will depend on the units used for the given directions. If the directions are given in degrees, then the distance will be in the same units, such as degrees. If the directions are given in radians, then the distance will be in radians as well.

5. Can I use this method for calculating boat trip distance for any direction?

Yes, this method can be used for calculating the boat trip distance for any direction. As long as you have the starting and ending directions, you can use the law of cosines and sines to find the total distance traveled along the curved path.

Similar threads

Velocity Vectors and Navigation Across A River
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
1K
Find the distance with the relativity problem
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
1K
River Boat Question That's Throwing Me Off
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
2K
[Uni Physics w/ calc] Boat crossing a river
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
22
Views
4K
Finding the Magnitude and Direction of the Displacement Vector for a Ship's Trip
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
4K
Need Help with basic vectors problem
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
2K
Relative Speed Calculation for Man Walking on a Moving Boat
    • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
8K
Vectors and Kayaking: Solving for Velocity, Time, and Distance
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
16
Views
2K
Physics - Relative Motion Homework Help
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
3K
Two unknowns in trigonometric calculation?
    • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top