A swimmer is determined to cross a river that flows due south with a strong current. Initially, the swimmer is on the west bank desiring to reach a camp directly across the river on the opposite bank. In which direction should the swimmer head?

Question

Physics

Houston Hopkins

15 May, 12:32

A swimmer is determined to cross a river that flows due south with a strong current. Initially, the swimmer is on the west bank desiring to reach a camp directly across the river on the opposite bank. In which direction should the swimmer head?

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Answers (1)

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Judith · Answer 1

Swim in a strong north easterly direction so the the river carries him right across

Explanation:

The swimmer is on the west river bank with intentions of reaching the east river bank directly across him. If he just swims towards the east, the current of the river will carry him downstream landing him in a south easterly position, below where he intended to go. So the right thing to do would be to swim in a strong north easterly direction so the the river carries him right across.