Magnitude and direction of ship relative to ground

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the actual velocity of a ship relative to the ground while navigating through a tidal current in Ambrose Channel, New York harbor. The tidal current has a velocity of 4.2 km/h at an angle of 20 degrees south of east, while the ship maintains a speed of 16 km/h directed due north. By applying vector addition principles, specifically using the equations for relative velocities, participants aim to determine the resultant velocity's magnitude and direction.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector addition in physics
  • Familiarity with relative velocity concepts
  • Knowledge of trigonometric functions, specifically tangent
  • Ability to interpret and solve problems involving velocity components
NEXT STEPS
  • Study vector triangle construction for relative velocity problems
  • Learn about resolving vectors into components using trigonometric functions
  • Explore the application of the Pythagorean theorem in velocity calculations
  • Investigate the effects of tidal currents on navigation and ship movement
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics, maritime navigators, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of ship movement in tidal currents.

physicsquest
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Homework Statement


At the entrance of Ambrose Channel at New York harbor, the tidal current at one time of the day has a velocity of 4.2 km/h in a direction 20 degrees south of east. Consider a ship in this current; suppose that the ship has a speed of 16 km/h relative to the water. If the helmsman keeps the bow of the ship aimed due north, what will be the actual velocity (magnitude and direction) of the ship relative to the ground?


Homework Equations


vx= vtx-vsx
vy= vty-vsy
tan\phi= \sqrt{(v<span style="font-size: 9px">x^2 + v<span style="font-size: 9px">y^2)}<br /> tan\phi=v<span style="font-size: 9px">y/v<span style="font-size: 9px">x<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <h2>The Attempt at a Solution</h2><br /> </span></span></span></span>
 
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physicsquest said:
At the entrance of Ambrose Channel at New York harbor, the tidal current at one time of the day has a velocity of 4.2 km/h in a direction 20 degrees south of east. Consider a ship in this current; suppose that the ship has a speed of 16 km/h relative to the water. If the helmsman keeps the bow of the ship aimed due north, what will be the actual velocity (magnitude and direction) of the ship relative to the ground?

Hi physicsquest! :smile:

Relative velocities are vectors, so draw a vector triangle …

what is the length and direction of the third side? :wink:
 

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