Find the speed of the boat relative to the current

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SUMMARY

The speed of a boat traveling directly across a river with a current can be calculated using vector addition. In this case, the boat's speed in still water is 1.95 m/s, and the current's speed is 1.10 m/s. The correct approach involves using the Pythagorean theorem, where the boat's speed across the river (1.95 m/s) and the current's speed (1.10 m/s) are the two perpendicular sides of a right triangle. The resultant speed of the boat with respect to the shore is approximately 2.36 m/s.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector addition
  • Knowledge of the Pythagorean theorem
  • Basic principles of relative motion
  • Familiarity with speed and velocity concepts
NEXT STEPS
  • Study vector addition in physics
  • Learn about relative motion in fluid dynamics
  • Explore the application of the Pythagorean theorem in real-world scenarios
  • Investigate navigation techniques for crossing rivers with currents
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and motion, as well as anyone interested in navigation and boating techniques.

setonhall3000
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edit: woops I messed up the title. It should have been relative to the shore.

Homework Statement


A boat’s speed in still water is 1.95 . The boat is to travel directly across a river whose current has speed 1.10 . Determine the speed of the boat with respect to the shore

Homework Equations


I'm not sure.

The Attempt at a Solution


I thought it would be a sqauared plus b squared is equal to c squared. a being the speed of the boat in still water, b being the current and c being the speed with respect to the shore. This however does not give the right answer
 
Last edited:
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When it says 'directly across', I think it means the boat is to finish directly across from where it started. How is that to be achieved?
 
boat crossing river

The boat have to steer at an angle in order go right across the river.
 

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