A man at point A directs his rowboat due north toward point B, straight across a river of width 100 m. The river current is due east. The man starts across, rowing steadily at 0.75 m/s and reaches the other side of the river at point C, 150 m downstream from his starting point.
-While the man is crossing the river, what is his velocity relative to the shore?

Question

A man at point A directs his rowboat due north toward point B, straight across a river of width 100 m. The river current is due east. The man starts across, rowing steadily at 0.75 m/s and reaches the other side of the river at point C, 150 m downstream from his starting point.

-While the man is crossing the river, what is his velocity relative to the shore?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The man's velocity relative to the shore is the vector sum of his velocity relative to the water and the velocity of the water relative to the shore. The man's velocity relative to the water is 1.35 m/s, 34° north of east. The velocity of the water relative to the shore is 2.00 m/s, 56° north of east. The vector sum of these two velocities is 2.11 m/s, 34° north of east.

A Man at Point a Directs His Rowboat Due North