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

anonymous · Answer

The swimmer should swim due north.
	 The swimmer should swim southeast.
	 The swimmer should swim due east.
	 The swimmer should swim northeast.
	 The swimmer should swim south.

anonymous · Answer

The swimmer should swim northeast.

theeric · Answer

@oksuz_ : http://openstudy.com/code-of-conduct

anonymous · Answer

I still dont get it? water is moving south, the person is in west and wants to get to east?

theeric · Answer

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theeric · Answer

Now, you're looking at things like relative motion?

anonymous · Answer

okay so if went north wouldnt he just get dragged down to the south because of the current?

theeric · Answer

When you are swimming in the water (picture this) your swim speed is relative to the water. So, say you can swim at 3mph.

You try to swim 3mph to the east.

Your speed looks different from the ground. You are $\sf swimming$ 3mph east and you are being $\sf carried\ downstream$ by the river speed. You are traveling $\sf east$ and $\sf downstream$|dw:1379193578800:dw|

theeric · Answer

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