Problem
Two rowers, who can row at the same speed in still water, set off across a river at the same time. One heads straight across and is pulled downstream somewhat by the current. The other one heads upstream at an angle so as to arrive at a point opposite the starting point. Which rower reaches the opposite side first? Explain.
Problem 16Q
Step-by-step solution
Step 1 of 3
According to the problem, the two rowers start at the same time with the same speed. Rower 1 heads straight across and rower 2 heads upstream making an angle in order to arrive at a point opposite to the starting point.
Consider the speed of the two rowers as v in still water and the speed of the current is u.
The following are the figures that show the motion of the two rowers.
