Crossing a River: Find Speed Needed to Swim from A to B

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the necessary swimming speed for a swimmer to cross a river from point A to point B, given specific distances and the current's speed. The swimmer must swim at a speed of 4.04 km/h relative to the water, making a 45-degree angle with the line from A to C. The current's speed is 5 km/h, and the distances involved are 200m from A to C and 150m from C to B. The solution involves vector addition and trigonometric principles.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector addition in physics
  • Basic knowledge of trigonometry, specifically sine and cosine functions
  • Familiarity with the Pythagorean theorem
  • Concept of relative velocity in fluid dynamics
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  • Explore trigonometric functions and their applications in real-world scenarios
  • Investigate relative velocity concepts in fluid dynamics
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This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of motion in fluid environments, particularly in relation to swimming and vector analysis.

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Homework Statement


A swimmer wants to cross a river, from point A to point B, as shown in the figure. The distance d_1 (from A to C) is 200m , the distance d_2 (from C to B) is 150m, and the speed v_r of the current in the river is 5 km/h. Suppose that the swimmer's velocity relative to the water makes an angle of [tex]\theta = 45 degrees[/tex] with the line from A to C, as indicated in the figure.

To swim directly from A to B, what speed u_s, relative to the water, should the swimmer have?

Homework Equations


I would think that you would use nothing more than some trig, Pythagorean theorem and stuff about adding and subtracting vectors

The Attempt at a Solution



I have no idea how to attempt this solution. I don't know where to even start. I know the answer is 4.04km/h but I have no idea how to get to that answer. Where should I start?
 

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Well don't all jump up at once now!
 
What direction must the swimmer's velocity have with respect to the shore? Hint: The velocity of the swimmer with respect to the shore = velocity of the swimmer with respect to the water + velocity of water with respect to the shore.
 

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