Boat 1 goes directly across a stream a distance L and back taking a time t1. Boat 2 goes down stream a distance L and back taking a time t2. If both boats had the same speed relative to the water, which of the following statements is true? A)t2 t1 B)t2

Question

Boat 1 goes directly across a stream a distance L and back taking a time t1. Boat 2 goes down stream a distance L and back taking a time t2. If both boats had the same speed relative to the water, which of the following statements is true?
A)t2 > t1
B)t2 < t1
C)t2 = t1
D)t2 = 2t1
E)t2 = 0.5t1

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Boat 2 takes longer because it has to go downstream and upstream, where the current affects its speed, making the return trip slower. Boat 1's path is perpendicular to the current, so the current does not affect the time taken as much.

Boat 1 Goes Directly Across a Stream a Distance L