Mechanics: Vectors and Projectiles
Vectors and Projectiles: Audio Guided Solution
Problem Set VP1, Question 2:
Elora is fishing with her Dad. Their fishing boat moves at 4.9 m/s relative to the water regardless of whether they head upstream, downstream, or across the stream. Suppose the water is flowing downstream at 1.50 m/s. How much time does it take Elora to travel upstream 285 m and then back downstream 285 m to her starting position? (Disregard the time taken to turn.)
Audio Guided Solution
Habits of an Effective Problem Solver
An effective problem solver by habit approaches a physics problem in a manner that reflects a collection of disciplined habits. An effective problem-solver...
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...reads the problem carefully and develops a mental picture of the physical situation. If needed, they sketch a simple diagram of the physical situation to help visualize it.
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...identifies the known and unknown quantities in an organized manner, often times recording them on the diagram iteself. They equate given values to the symbols used to represent the corresponding quantity (e.g., vox = 12.4 m/s, voy = 0.0 m/s, dx = 32.7 m, dy = ???).
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...plots a strategy for solving for the unknown quantity; the strategy will typically center around the use of physics equations be heavily dependent upon an understaning of physics principles.
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...identifies the appropriate formula(s) to use, often times writing them down. Where needed, they perform the needed conversion of quantities into the proper unit.
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...performs substitutions and algebraic manipulations in order to solve for the unknown quantity.
Read About It!
Get more information on the topic of Vectors and Projectiles at The Physics Classroom Tutorial.