How did the book get this answer? Please help with motion

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a ship's displacement and average velocity based on navigational bearings and distances from a lighthouse. The context is within the subject area of kinematics and vector analysis.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate the displacement using trigonometric functions and the Pythagorean theorem but questions the accuracy of their result. Some participants express agreement with the original poster's interpretation of the problem, while others suggest a possible error in the bearing used in the calculations.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the problem and questioning the assumptions made regarding the bearings. There is no explicit consensus, but some guidance has been offered regarding the potential error in the bearing.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions confusion regarding the answer provided in the book, indicating a discrepancy between their calculations and the expected result. There is also a reference to a freebody diagram that may not have been effectively communicated.

TheKovac
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Homework Statement


A ship is 8km from a coastline that stretches in a east west direction. The navigator on the ship records that the lighthouse on the coastline has a bearing of N 27 E. After sailing for 30 minutes the navigator records that the lighthouse is 15km due north.

a) What is the displacement of the ship between the two recordings?
b) What is the ships average velocity?

Homework Equations


a^2 + b^2=C^2
v=X/t
v=u+at

The Attempt at a Solution


Horizontal displacement:
x= 8tan27
horizontal displacement = 4.08km

Find displacement via Pythagorus:
x^2 = a^2+b^2
x^2= 4.08^2 + 7^2
Displacement = 8.10 km = WRONG, Right= 9.2km

How is the above answer possible, as I have worked this question out many different ways and still not got this answer.

Could someone please assist me with this problem?

I have attached my freebody diagram (I don't posses very good Paint skills)

Homework Statement


Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution

 

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Last edited:
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Um, even though you didn't actually state the question, if it's what I think it is, I agree with your answer.
 
Dick said:
Um, even though you didn't actually state the question, if it's what I think it is, I agree with your answer.

Thank you for noticing - I've fixed it now :)

The question was about the ships displacement.
 
TheKovac said:
Thank you for noticing - I've fixed it now :)

The question was about the ships displacement.

Right. Then I definitely agree with your answer.
 
Dick said:
Right. Then I definitely agree with your answer.

Thank you for your answer - I was quite perplexed by their answer, I am glad I am right. :D

Thanks for your help, I really appreciate it! Its great to know that I can get some support with physics, outside of school.

Kindest Regards,
TheKovac
 
… wrong bearing …

Hi everyone!

I think the book was working on a bearing of N 37 E. :frown:
 

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