Calculating River Velocity with Relative Boat Motion

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the velocity of a river given a boat's velocity in still water and its angle of approach. The boat, traveling at 2.2 m/s, must angle 40 degrees upstream to cross a river that is 300m wide and 130m downstream. By applying relative velocity concepts, participants aim to derive the river's velocity based on the provided parameters.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of relative velocity concepts
  • Basic trigonometry for angle calculations
  • Knowledge of vector components in physics
  • Familiarity with motion equations in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study relative velocity problems in physics
  • Learn to decompose vectors into components
  • Explore the application of trigonometric functions in motion
  • Review examples of river current problems in physics textbooks
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, educators teaching motion concepts, and anyone interested in solving real-world relative motion problems.

astrokat11
Messages
7
Reaction score
0
In order to get across a river that's 300m wide at a distance 130m upstream, a boat must angle at 40degrees. The velocity of the boat in still water is 2.2m/s. What is the velocity of the river?

Thanks for the help!
AstroKat
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You should show some work before we help you...
 
river/boat velocity problem

Ok, so what I have so far is that this might be a relative velocity problem. I know the velocity of the boat relative to the Earth is 2.2m/s. I also know that if he aims upstream 40 degrees in still water, he will go further than 130 m. I'm just not really even sure where to start with this problem! Can someone lead me in the right direction and then I'll work on it more? I've been thinking about this problem for 4 days now and I'm having a lot of trouble with (I'm sure) a simple problem.
Thanks
 

Similar threads

A ferry boat is crossing a river that is 8.5 x 10^2 m wide.
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Simple Vector Boat Problem, Conceptual Misunderstanding
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
River question (looking for angles and headings)
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Stuck on a vector problem: Boating across a river
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
Adding Vectors to Find Velocity
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
4K
How Are Velocity and Angle Calculated When Crossing a River?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Calculating the time to cross a river
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Man pulling a boat along the water with a rope (from above on a steep bank)
  • · Replies 31 ·
2
Replies
31
Views
2K
Calculate River Width: Boat Width Problem
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
10K
River-boat problem (Relative velocity)
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
7K