Diver questionim so confused

[kjanem89]

Diver question..im so confused :(

Homework Statement

A swimmer is capable of swimming 0.35 m/s in still water.
(a) If she aims her body directly across a 75 m-wide river whose current is 0.40 m/s, how far downstream (from a point opposite her starting point) will she land?
m
(b) How long will it take her to reach the other side?
s

Homework Equations

I think I could use D= do+Vit+1/2at^2
and a^2+b^2=c^2

The Attempt at a Solution

75=3.5(t)+t^2
t=4.629

3.5^2+0.4^2=c^2
c=3.5227

ahh.. I am so confusedddd

 

[stewartcs]

Hint: Horizontal and vertical velocities are independent of each other.

Finding the answer to (b) first might prove easier.

 

[m2003]

:(

Hello there, it seems like you are attempting to solve a physics problem involving a swimmer crossing a river with a current. It's understandable to feel confused, as these types of problems can be tricky. I would suggest breaking down the problem into smaller parts and tackling each part separately.

For part (a), you can use the equation d = vt, where d is the distance, v is the velocity, and t is the time. In this case, the swimmer's velocity will be the combination of her swimming speed (0.35 m/s) and the river's current (0.40 m/s). The distance she will travel will be 75 m, as given in the problem. So you can set up the equation as 75 = (0.35+0.40)t. Solving for t will give you the time it takes for the swimmer to reach the other side.

For part (b), you can use the Pythagorean theorem (a^2 + b^2 = c^2) to find the distance she will travel downstream. The two sides of the triangle will be the distance she swims (0.35 m/s) and the distance the river's current carries her (0.40 m/s). The hypotenuse will be the total distance traveled downstream. So you can set up the equation as (0.35)^2 + (0.40)^2 = c^2. Solving for c will give you the distance downstream.

Remember to always keep track of your units and use the correct equations for each part of the problem. I hope this helps clear up some of your confusion. Good luck!