Mechanics: Vectors and Projectiles

Vectors and Projectiles: Audio Guided Solution

Problem 20:

Ty Ridlegs boards a paddle boat and heads the boat westward directly across a river. The river flows south at 48 cm/s. Ty paddles the boat with a speed of 98 cm/s.

a. Determine the resultant velocity of the boat - both magnitude and direction.
b. If the river is 22 m wide at this location, then how much time does it take Ty to cross the river? Assume that Ty keeps his paddle boat headed west.
c. How far downstream will Ty be when he reaches the other side of the river?

Audio Guided Solution

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Habits of an Effective Problem Solver

  • Read the problem carefully and develop a mental picture of the physical situation. If necessary, sketch a simple diagram of the physical situation to help you visualize it.
  • Identify the known and unknown quantities in an organized manner. Equate given values to the symbols used to represent the corresponding quantity - e.g., vox = 12.4 m/s, voy = 0.0 m/s, dx = 32.7 m, dy = ???.
  • Use physics formulas and conceptual reasoning to plot a strategy for solving for the unknown quantity.
  • Identify the appropriate formula(s) to use.
  • Perform substitutions and algebraic manipulations in order to solve for the unknown quantity.

Read About It!

Get more information on the topic of Vectors and Projectiles at The Physics Classroom Tutorial.

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