Question

The Gulf Stream off the east coast of the United States can flow at a rapid 3.3 m/s to the north. A ship in this current has a cruising speed of 8.0 m/s . The captain would like to reach land at a point due west from the current position.
Part B) At this heading, what is the ship's speed with respect to land?

Answer 1

Answer:

2.29 m/s

Explanation:

given,

Speed of the stream to north,x = 3.3 m/s

speed of the ship,z = 8 m/s

Speed of the stream is in north direction, to move the ship in west direction ship should move in south direction.

To solve this a right angle triangle is constructed.

where speed of the stream is base and speed of cruise is hypotenuse.

now, speed of ship with respect to ground

z² = x² + y²

y² = z² - x²

y² = 8² - 3.3²

$y = \sqrt{53.11}$

y = 2.29 m/s

Hence, the speed of the ship with respect to ground is equal to 2.29 m/s.