How Far Downstream Will a Swimmer Land in a River Current?

  • Thread starter Thread starter kjanem89
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Confused
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on a physics problem involving a swimmer crossing a river with a current. The swimmer can swim at 0.35 m/s in still water, while the river current flows at 0.40 m/s. To determine how far downstream the swimmer will land, the horizontal and vertical velocities must be treated as independent. The swimmer will take approximately 4.629 seconds to cross the 75 m-wide river, resulting in a downstream displacement of 1.85 m.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector components in physics
  • Knowledge of kinematic equations
  • Familiarity with Pythagorean theorem
  • Basic principles of relative motion
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the concept of vector resolution in physics
  • Learn about kinematic equations for projectile motion
  • Explore the effects of currents on swimming dynamics
  • Investigate real-world applications of relative motion in fluid dynamics
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics, as well as educators looking for practical examples of vector motion in fluid environments.

kjanem89
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
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
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Hint: Horizontal and vertical velocities are independent of each other.

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

Similar threads

What angle should a swimmer aim to land directly across the starting position?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Which Direction Should a Swimmer Head to Counteract a River Current?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
8K
Two launches ferrying between two landing stations along a river
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
2K
Why does a swimmer take longer to complete a trip in a river with a current?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
4K
Motion in 2 Directions: An Algebraic Approach
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
Motion in 2 Dimensions & Relative velocity
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Swimming with current, velocity, angles
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
4K
Velocity Vectors and Navigation Across A River
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Relative Speeds in River Crossings
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
5K
Swimmer's velocity relative to the shore (vectors)
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K