Calculate the time of a swimmer

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To calculate the time it takes for the lifeguard to reach the child, the equation for displacement (velocity times time) should be combined with the Pythagorean theorem due to the triangular relationship of the swimmer's path. The lifeguard swims at 2.0 m/s relative to the water while the current flows at 1.0 m/s. This means the effective speed of the lifeguard must account for the downstream movement caused by the current. The problem requires careful consideration of both velocities to determine the time and distance downstream where the lifeguard intercepts the child. Understanding these relationships is essential for solving the problem accurately.
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A child, who is 45 m from the bank of a river, is being carried helplessly downstream by the river's swift current of 1.0 m/s . As the child passes a lifeguard on the river's bank, the lifeguard starts swimming in a straight line until she reaches the child at a point downstream.

a)If the lifeguard can swim at a speed of 2.0 m/s relative to the water, how long does it take her to reach the child?
b)How far downstream does the lifeguard intercept the child?

Please help me to get started on this problem.
Which equation should I use?

Thank you
 
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tavo0116 said:
Please help me to get started on this problem.
Which equation should I use?
Displacement equals velocity times time. Combine that with the Pythagorean theorem. :wink:

(Hint: The displacements involved form a triangle)
 
(Another hint: This problem is a little bit tricky, because the given speed at which the lifeguard can swim is 2 m/s relative to the water. So before you figure out the final answer, you'll have to to take this into account.)
 
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