Question:
A river $400 \mathrm{~m}$ wide is flowing at a rate of $2.0 \mathrm{~m} / \mathrm{s}$. A boat is sailing at a velocity of $10 \mathrm{~m} / \mathrm{s}$ with respect to the water, in a direction perpendicular to the river.
(a) Find the time taken by the boat to reach the opposite bank.
(b) How far from the point directly opposite to the starting point does the boat reach the opposite bank?
Solution:
(a)
Velocity responsible for crossing is $10 \mathrm{~m} / \mathrm{s}$
$=\frac{\text { distance }}{\text { speed }}$
$t=\frac{400}{10}=40 \mathrm{sec}$
(b)
Velocity responsible for $\mathrm{drift}=2 \mathrm{~m} / \mathrm{s}$
Distance $=$ speed $\times$ time $=2 \times 40=80 \mathrm{~m}$