Calculating Velocity of Fishing Boats in a Lake

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the velocity of fishing boats in a lake based on their distance apart and the frequency of wave motion. The scenario describes two boats that are 21 meters apart, with one boat at the crest of a wave and the other at the trough, while a third observer notes the wave behavior.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of the formula v = f * λ, questioning the clarity of the problem statement, particularly regarding the definition of "one crest distance" and whether the distance refers to the boats or their floats.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided clarifications on the problem statement and have identified that the boats are 21 meters apart and that they are 1.5 wavelengths apart. This has led to further exploration of how to calculate the wavelength and the importance of unit consistency, particularly with frequency being given per minute.

Contextual Notes

There is uncertainty regarding the exact wording of the problem and its implications, which may affect the interpretation of the distance and wave characteristics. Participants are encouraged to verify the original question for accuracy.

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Homework Statement



the question is:the floats of 2 men fishing in a lake from boats is 21m apart.the waves causes both boats to bob up-down 20 times/minute.A third man observes that one of his colleagues is on the crest while other is on trough,and there is a one crest distance between them?find velocity

Homework Equations



v=f(lambda)

The Attempt at a Solution


idk but would f=20 and lambda=which i can't figure out1/4 or something
help pls
=(
 
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In order to use your v = f*lambda formula you need to know the wavelength, and it is not at all clear from the wording of the question. It looks like the wording has been messed up - can you check and make sure it is copied word for word? In particular, I don't understand "one crest distance" and are they saying the boats are 21 m apart or the floats are 21 m apart?
 
Delphi51 said:
In order to use your v = f*lambda formula you need to know the wavelength, and it is not at all clear from the wording of the question. It looks like the wording has been messed up - can you check and make sure it is copied word for word? In particular, I don't understand "one crest distance" and are they saying the boats are 21 m apart or the floats are 21 m apart?

k here is the actual question format:The floats of two men fishing in a lake from boats are 21m apart.The waves causes boats to bob up and down 20 times per minute.A man in a third boat observes that when the boat of one of his colleagues is on the crest of a wave,that of the other is in a trough,and that there is one crest between them.what is Velocity.
 
Much better! The boats are 21 m apart and they are 1.5 wavelengths apart. From that you can calculate the wavelength. Careful with the units - remember the frequency is per MINUTE.
 

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