Solved: Suppose we orient the x axis of a two-dimensional

Chapter 3, Problem 75

(choose chapter or problem)

Suppose we orient the x axis of a two-dimensional coordinate system along the beach at Waikiki. Waves approaching the beach have a velocity relative to the shore given by . Surfers move more rapidly than the waves, but at an angle to the beach. The angle is chosen so that the surfers approach the shore with the same speed as the waves. (a) If a surfer has a speed of 7.2 m/s relative to the water, what is her direction of motion relative to the positive x axis? (b) What is the surfers velocity relative to the wave? (c) If the surfers speed is increased, will the angle in part (a) increase or decrease? Explain.