Find the speed of the boat relative to the current

We can use trigonometry to calculate the speed of the boat with respect to the shore. In summary, the boat's speed in still water is 1.95, the river's current speed is 1.10, and the boat must steer at an angle to travel directly across the river. Trigonometry can be used to determine the speed of the boat with respect to the shore.
  • #1
setonhall3000
1
0
edit: woops I messed up the title. It should have been relative to the shore.

Homework Statement


A boat’s speed in still water is 1.95 . The boat is to travel directly across a river whose current has speed 1.10 . Determine the speed of the boat with respect to the shore

Homework Equations


I'm not sure.

The Attempt at a Solution


I thought it would be a sqauared plus b squared is equal to c squared. a being the speed of the boat in still water, b being the current and c being the speed with respect to the shore. This however does not give the right answer
 
Last edited:
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  • #2
When it says 'directly across', I think it means the boat is to finish directly across from where it started. How is that to be achieved?
 
  • #3
boat crossing river

The boat have to steer at an angle in order go right across the river.
 

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Related to Find the speed of the boat relative to the current

1. How do you calculate the speed of the boat relative to the current?

The speed of the boat relative to the current is calculated by subtracting the speed of the current from the total speed of the boat. This can be expressed as Vb - Vc = Vb,c, where Vb is the speed of the boat and Vc is the speed of the current.

2. What units are used to measure the speed of the boat and the current?

The speed of the boat and the current can be measured in a variety of units, including meters per second (m/s), kilometers per hour (km/h), and miles per hour (mph). The units used will depend on the specific situation and the preference of the individual or organization conducting the measurement.

3. Can the speed of the boat relative to the current be negative?

Yes, the speed of the boat relative to the current can be negative if the current is stronger than the speed of the boat. This indicates that the boat is moving in the opposite direction of the current.

4. How does the speed of the boat relative to the current affect the travel time?

The speed of the boat relative to the current can significantly impact the travel time. If the boat is traveling with the current, the speed will be faster and the travel time will be shorter. On the other hand, if the boat is traveling against the current, the speed will be slower and the travel time will be longer.

5. What factors can affect the accuracy of calculating the speed of the boat relative to the current?

There are several factors that can affect the accuracy of calculating the speed of the boat relative to the current. These include the precision of the measurement equipment, the variability of the current, and any external factors such as wind or waves that may impact the movement of the boat.

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