Relative velocity Question for a Ferryboat

In summary, the conversation discusses the calculation of various velocity vectors and their resulting magnitude and direction. There is confusion about whether to include a value of 2.02 in the calculation, and a suggestion is given to draw a diagram to clarify the direction of travel. The original question is also mentioned, which asks for the square root of a calculation involving the velocity vectors. There is also a comment about the clarity and accuracy of the original question.
  • #1
ahsila432
13
0
Homework Statement
a ferryboat is travelling in a direction of 28 degrees north of east with a speed of 4.40 m/s relative to the water. A passenger is walking with a velocity of 2.02 m/s due east relative to the boat. What is the magnitude and direction of the velocity of the passenger with respect to the water. Give directional Angle to due east.
Relevant Equations
components, velocity equations
So far I have this:
vbwx= 4.40c0s(28) = 3.88496409

vbwy= 4.40sin28 = 2.065674876

vpwx= 4.4ocos28

vpwy= 4.40sin28 +2.02

Find Square root of vpx^2 + vpy^2 = 5.43?

Im confused as to whether we add the 2.02 to the sin28 or the cos28 though, did I do it right? Also, not sure how to find the angle at the end.
 
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  • #2
Have you drawn a diagram of the two velocity vectors? The resultant velocity, magnitude and direction ought to be clear then.
 
  • #3
ahsila432 said:
Homework Statement:: a ferryboat is traveling in a direction of 28 degrees north of east
This is a very poorly written question. It should say that the ferry boat has a heading 28 degrees north of east.

Heading and direction of travel are two very different things. Heading is which way the boat is pointed. This may not match the direction in which the boat moves with respect to the ground.
 

1. What is relative velocity?

Relative velocity is the velocity of an object in relation to another object. It takes into account the motion of both objects and is measured as the difference between their velocities.

2. How is relative velocity calculated?

To calculate relative velocity, you need to subtract the velocity of the first object from the velocity of the second object. This will give you the relative velocity between the two objects.

3. How does relative velocity affect a ferryboat?

Relative velocity can affect a ferryboat in several ways. For example, if the ferryboat is moving at a certain speed and direction, and there is a strong current in the opposite direction, the relative velocity between the ferryboat and the water will be greater, making it more difficult for the ferryboat to move forward.

4. How can relative velocity be used to navigate a ferryboat?

Relative velocity can be used to determine the best course and speed for a ferryboat to reach its destination. By taking into account the relative velocity between the ferryboat and the water, the ferryboat captain can adjust the speed and direction to reach the destination more efficiently.

5. How does relative velocity differ from absolute velocity?

Relative velocity takes into account the motion of two objects in relation to each other, while absolute velocity is the velocity of an object in relation to a fixed point or reference frame. In other words, relative velocity is dependent on the motion of both objects, while absolute velocity is independent of other objects.

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