A swimmer crosses a river of width L by swimming with constant speed v. The river flows with a constant uniform speed u. At what angle θ should the swimmer swim to travel the least distance in crossing the river? Consider two cases: v ≥ u, and v < u.

A swimmer crosses a river of width L by swimming with constant speed v. The river flows with a constant uniform speed u. At what angle θ should the swimmer swim to travel the least distance in crossing the river? Consider two cases: v ≥ u, and v < u.

Image text
A swimmer crosses a river of width L by swimming with constant speed v . The river flows with a constant uniform speed u . At what angle θ should the swimmer swim to travel the least distance in crossing the river? Consider two cases: v u , and v < u .

Detailed Answer