A kayaker needs to paddle north across a 85 m wide harbor. The tide is going out, creating a tidal current that flows to the east at 2.0 m/s. The kayaker can paddle with a speed of 3.4 m/s.

(a) In which direction should he paddle in order to travel straight across the harbor?

(b) How long will it take him to cross?

Question

Isaac

Physics

22 February, 22:36

A kayaker needs to paddle north across a 85 m wide harbor. The tide is going out, creating a tidal current that flows to the east at 2.0 m/s. The kayaker can paddle with a speed of 3.4 m/s.

(a) In which direction should he paddle in order to travel straight across the harbor?

(b) How long will it take him to cross?

+5

Answers (1)

Know the Answer?

Shelby Sparks · Answer 1

Let the direction in which he peddles makes an angle of θ with north across

Sinθ = 2 / 3.4

θ = 36 degree (west of north)

b)

component of his velocity along the north = 3.4 cos 36

= 2.75 m / s

time required = 85 / 2.75 s

= 31 s