Q. A man wants to reach point $B$ on the opposite bank of a river flowing at a speed as shown in figure. What minimum speed relative to water should the man have so that he can reach point $B$? In which direction should be swim?

A) $u\sqrt{2}$
B) $u/\sqrt{2}$
C) 2u
D) $u/2$
Explanation

(b) Let $v$ be the speed of boatman is still water.
[image:3_image198.emf]
Resultant of $v$ and $u$ should be along $AB$. Components of ${\overrightarrow{v}}_{b}$ (absolute velocity of boatman)along $x$ and $y$ direction are,
$v_{x} = u - v\ $sin$\theta$
Further, $\tan{45{^\circ}} = \frac{v_{y}}{v_{X}}$
or 1=$\frac{v\ cos\theta}{u - v\ sin\theta}$
$v = \frac{u}{\sin\theta + \cos\theta} = \frac{u}{\sqrt{2}sin(\theta + 45{^\circ})}$
$v$ is minimum at,
$\theta + 45{^\circ} = 90{^\circ}$ or $\theta = 45{^\circ}$
and $v_{\min} = \frac{u}{\sqrt{2}}$

Dr. Abubacker
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker

Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist

Ph.D. in Physics with 19+ years of teaching experience.