River Speed Calculations for Relativity

  • Thread starter kraaaaamos
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In summary, the conversation discussed the problem of determining the speed of a river based on the speed of a boat traveling with and against the current. Two equations were created and solved to determine that the speed of the river is 2 km/hr.
  • #1
kraaaaamos
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Homework Statement


A boat traveling with the current has a speed of 10km/h.
The same boat travels against the same current at the speed of 6km/h.
At what speed is the river flowing?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


10km/h - 6km/h = 4km/h ?
 
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  • #2
No. That's not right.

If the speed of the boat is b, and the speed of the river is r... what is the speed of the boat traveling with the river in terms of b and r... equate this to 10.

this gives 1 equation..

what is the speed of the boat traveling against the river in terms of b and r... equate this to 6.

this gives a 2nd equation... so you have 2 equations with 2 unknowns.

solve for r speed of the river.
 
Last edited:
  • #3
how do i do that? = S
 
  • #4
Do what learningphysics suggested. If the speed of the boat is b and the speed of the river is r, they add and give 10 if they are going in the same direction. They subtract and give 6 if they are going in opposite directions. Write down those two equations. And then solve them.
 
  • #5
b + r = 10, b = 10-r
b - r = 6

10-r-r = 6
10-2r = 6
4 = 2r
r = 2 ?

: )
 
  • #6
r=2. That says it all.
 
  • #7
Yup r = 2 km/hr is the answer.
 

What is the concept of river speed calculations for relativity?

The concept of river speed calculations for relativity is based on the theory of special relativity, which states that the laws of physics are the same for all observers in uniform motion. This means that the speed of light is constant, regardless of the observer's frame of reference. In the context of river speed calculations, this means that the speed of a river relative to an observer can be calculated using the principles of special relativity.

How do you calculate the river speed for relativity?

The river speed for relativity can be calculated using the equation v = (v1 + v2)/(1 + v1*v2/c^2), where v is the relative speed of the river, v1 is the speed of the river relative to the observer, v2 is the speed of the observer, and c is the speed of light. This equation takes into account the effects of time dilation and length contraction, which are important factors in relativity.

What are the assumptions made in river speed calculations for relativity?

The main assumptions made in river speed calculations for relativity are that the river and the observer are in relative motion, and that the laws of physics are the same for all observers. Additionally, the observer must be in a frame of reference that is moving at a constant velocity, and the relative speeds must be much smaller than the speed of light.

What is the significance of river speed calculations for relativity?

River speed calculations for relativity have important implications in the fields of physics and astronomy. They help us understand the effects of relativity on the motion of objects in our universe, and allow us to make accurate predictions and measurements. These calculations are also essential for technologies such as GPS, which rely on the principles of relativity to function accurately.

Are there any real-world applications of river speed calculations for relativity?

Yes, there are several real-world applications of river speed calculations for relativity. As mentioned before, GPS technology relies on the principles of relativity to function accurately. Additionally, relativity is important in the study of space travel, as it helps us understand the effects of time dilation and length contraction on objects moving at high speeds. It also plays a role in the study of black holes and other extreme objects in our universe.

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