Math Problem Statement
Starting from one shore, you swim east across a narrow river to the other shore. The river is 19.0m wide. As you swim, the river current moves you north up the river a distance of 12.0m . Draw a diagram representing the situation. What is your resultant displacement? Express your answer in components, and then determine the magnitude
Solution
To solve this problem, let's first understand the situation with a diagram and then calculate the resultant displacement.
Diagram Explanation:
- River Width (East Direction): This is the width of the river you swim across, which is 19.0 meters. This displacement is directly eastward.
- River Current Displacement (North Direction): As you swim eastward, the river's current moves you north by a distance of 12.0 meters.
We can represent these displacements as vectors:
- The eastward displacement is along the x-axis.
- The northward displacement is along the y-axis.
Diagram:
Y (North)
^
| (12.0 m)
|
|
|----------------> X (East)
(19.0 m)
Resultant Displacement:
To find the resultant displacement, we use vector addition. The components of the displacement vector are:
- (east)
- (north)
The resultant displacement vector can be written in component form as:
Magnitude of the Resultant Displacement:
To find the magnitude of the resultant displacement vector, we use the Pythagorean theorem:
Substituting the values:
Result:
- Resultant Displacement in Components:
- Magnitude of Resultant Displacement:
Would you like a more detailed explanation or have any questions?
Here are some related questions you might find interesting:
- What is the angle of the resultant displacement with respect to the east direction?
- If the river current were stronger, how would that affect the resultant displacement?
- How would you represent the problem if the river had a current moving southwest instead of north?
- Can you find the time taken to swim across the river if your swimming speed is 2 m/s in still water?
- How would the diagram change if the current moved you south instead of north?
Tip: When dealing with vectors, always consider both their magnitude and direction to fully understand their impact on the overall motion.
Ask a new question for Free
By Image
Drop file here or Click Here to upload
Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Vector Addition
Pythagorean Theorem
Formulas
Magnitude of a Vector: R = sqrt((Delta x)^2 + (Delta y)^2)
Theorems
Pythagorean Theorem
Suitable Grade Level
High School
Related Recommendation
Swimmer in River: Resultant Velocity and Distance Calculation
Calculate Resultant Displacement Using the Pythagorean Theorem for a River Boat Problem
Calculate Resultant Displacement of a Boat Using the Pythagorean Theorem
Calculate Resultant Displacement of a Boat Using the Pythagorean Theorem
Finding the Resultant Displacement of a Boat Using the Pythagorean Theorem