Vector Question: Swimmer Across River Diagram Help

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving a vector problem involving a swimmer crossing a river with a current. The swimmer's speed relative to the water is 8 km/h, while the river flows at 7 km/h. To visualize the scenario, a right-angle triangle diagram is recommended, where one leg represents the swimmer's velocity across the river and the other leg represents the river's current. This approach allows for the calculation of the swimmer's effective speed across the river.

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Homework Statement


A swimmer heads across a river flowing at 7km/h.
Her speed relative to the water is 8km/h.
The river is 362m wide.
There are other questions; however, I just need help with the diagram.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I'm not too sure on how to draw the diagram- I made a right angle triangle with the bank as shown in the picture. Is this correct?
 

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Not quite.

The river is flowing (right) at 7km/hr
The swimmer moves (diagonally) at 8km/hr

So you can calculate how fast the swimmer is moving directly across the river by drawing a triangle of velocities.

Once you've got the speed it's easy.
 
Oh I see what you mean, i wasn't sure if relative to implied it was the true course. Thank you.
 

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