STANDARD Physics Relative Velocity MCQ Question
A river is flowing from west to east with a speed 5 m s⁻¹. A swimmer can swim in still water at a speed of 10 m s⁻¹. If he wants to start from point A on south bank and reach opposite point B on north bank, in what direction should he swim?
30° east of north
60° east of north
30° west of north
60° west of north
Correct Answer
Detailed Explanation
The swimmer should swim at an angle to counteract the river's flow. Using trigonometry, sinθ = vᵣ/vₛ = 5/10 = 1/2, so θ = sin⁻¹(1/2) = 30°. Therefore, the swimmer should swim 30° west of north.
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