Solve Swimmer's Speed to Drift 1 Mile: 4 mi/h

  • Thread starter JJRKnights
  • Start date
In summary, the conversation discusses finding the swimmer's speed in order for them to drift only 1 mile downstream as they cross a river with a width of 2 miles. The relevant equations and initial values are provided, and the conversation concludes with the solution that the swimmer's speed must be 4 mi/h, assuming a = 1.5 miles.
  • #1
JJRKnights
53
0
I found an answer, but I am skeptical.

What must the swimmer's speed, vs, be in order that he drifts only 1 mile downstream as he crosses the river?

The width of the river = 2 miles
The velocity of the river, vr = 3(1-x^2)

Relevant equations:

tanα=vr/vs
dy/dx = tanα
vr = v0(1-x^2/a^2)

Image:
9K15G.png



So I started off with:

tanα=vr/vs
plugged in dy/dx for tanα, and vr = 3(1-x^2)

dy/dx = (3/vs)(1-x^2)
I assumed that vs was a constant.
∫dy/dx = (3/vs)∫(1-x^2)dx

y = (3/vs)(x - 1/3 x^3) + C

plugged in initial values y(-1) = 0,

0 = (3/vs)((-1) - 1/3(-1)^3) + C
((-1) - 1/3(-1)^3) = -2/3
0 = (3/vs)(-2/3) + C
C = 2/vs

now I have the equation all with 1 unknown:

y = (3/vs)(x - 1/3 x^3) + 2/vs

here is the part where I just improvised not really knowing what to do...
I figured that if I used the initial values, I wouldn't get my vs, so I used the final values:
y(1)=1

1 = (3/vs)(1 - 1/3) + 2/vs
and for this one I get that:
vs = 4 mi/h
 
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  • #2
Looks OK to me. The ##a## in the picture is evidently 1.
 

1. How do you calculate swimmer's speed to drift 1 mile?

The swimmer's speed to drift 1 mile can be calculated by dividing the distance (1 mile) by the time it takes the swimmer to complete the distance. In this case, the speed would be 4 miles per hour.

2. What units are used to measure swimmer's speed to drift 1 mile?

The units used to measure swimmer's speed to drift 1 mile are miles per hour (mi/h). This unit is commonly used to measure speed or velocity.

3. Is there a standard speed for swimmers to drift 1 mile?

There is no standard speed for swimmers to drift 1 mile. The speed can vary depending on factors such as the swimmer's strength, technique, and external conditions like currents or wind.

4. Can swimmer's speed to drift 1 mile be converted to other units?

Yes, swimmer's speed to drift 1 mile can be converted to other units such as meters per second, kilometers per hour, or feet per second. This can be done using conversion factors or online converters.

5. How does swimmer's speed to drift 1 mile affect overall performance?

Swimmer's speed to drift 1 mile is an important factor in overall performance, as it determines how quickly the swimmer can cover the distance. A faster speed can lead to a better overall performance, but other factors like technique, endurance, and strategy also play a role.

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