Optimal Direction for Long-Distance Swimmer in Ocean Currents

AI Thread Summary
To swim directly north from Port Angeles to Victoria against an eastward ocean current, the swimmer must adjust her angle to compensate for the current. With a swimming speed of 4 km/h and a current speed of 3 km/h, she should swim at an angle of 49 degrees relative to true north. This can be determined using vector analysis, where the swimmer's velocity vector and the current's velocity vector combine to create a resultant vector pointing straight north. The solution involves applying the law of sines or cosines, or using x and y components to solve the problem algebraically. Properly calculating this angle ensures the swimmer maintains a straight path across the 50 km distance.
Mdhiggenz
Messages
324
Reaction score
1

Homework Statement



A long-distance swimmer is able to swim through still water at 4 km/h. She wishes to try to swim from Port Angeles, WA, due north to Victoria, B.C., a distance of 50 km. An ocean current flows through the Strait of Juan de Fuca from west to east at 3 km/h. In what direction should she swim to make the crossing along a straight line between the two cities?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



So I know I have to split it into its x and y components , however I have no idea how to start this problem.

The answer is 49 degrees
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You need a velocity vector diagram showing the swimmer vector plus the current vector equaling a combined velocity vector straight north. You can solve the triangle with law of sines, law of cosines to find the swimmer velocity. Or solve it with x,y components and some algebra.
 
Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'

Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'

In this question, I have a question. I am NOT trying to solve it, but it is just a conceptual question. Consider the point on the rod, which connects the string and the rod. My question: just before and after the collision, is ANGULAR momentum CONSERVED about this point? Lets call the point which connects the string and rod as P. Why am I asking this? : it is clear from the scenario that the point of concern, which connects the string and the rod, moves in a circular path due to the string...
View full post »

Similar threads

Problem using vectors and relative motion
Replies
12
Views
3K
What angle should a swimmer aim to land directly across the starting position?
Replies
6
Views
2K
Which Direction Should a Swimmer Head to Counteract a River Current?
Replies
5
Views
8K
Motion in 2 Directions: An Algebraic Approach
Replies
1
Views
4K
Why does a swimmer take longer to complete a trip in a river with a current?
Replies
10
Views
4K
Calculating Resultant Velocity for Long Distance Swimmers
Replies
1
Views
2K
Swimmer's velocity relative to the shore (vectors)
Replies
3
Views
5K
Optimizing River Crossing Velocity Vectors
Replies
5
Views
7K
Relative velocity ship problem intuitively
Replies
3
Views
3K
Relative motion problem with airplane and wind velocity
Replies
5
Views
4K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top