SUMMARY
The velocity of a ship relative to the Earth can be calculated using vector addition of its velocity relative to the water and the ocean current. In this scenario, the ship travels north at 7.00 m/s, while the ocean current flows at 1.50 m/s at an angle of 40.0º north of east. The relative velocity equation, Vr = Vs - Vc, is applicable, where Vr is the velocity relative to Earth, Vs is the ship's velocity, and Vc is the ocean current's velocity. To find the resultant velocity, both vectors must be resolved into their components and then summed.
PREREQUISITES
- Understanding of vector addition and resolution of vectors
- Familiarity with trigonometric functions for angle calculations
- Knowledge of relative velocity concepts
- Basic physics principles related to motion in two dimensions
NEXT STEPS
- Learn how to resolve vectors into their components using sine and cosine functions
- Study the principles of relative velocity in physics
- Practice problems involving vector addition in two dimensions
- Explore graphical methods for vector addition and resultant velocity determination
USEFUL FOR
Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on kinematics and vector analysis, as well as educators looking for practical examples of relative motion in real-world scenarios.