River crossing in minimum time · CAP 2004 #Q5

Physics · mechanics

Problem

I must cross a river in the shortest possible time. Water flows downstream at a constant 5.0 m/s between the two parallel shores. Taking the direction of the flow as reference, if my boat has a maximum speed of 10 m/s, it should head at (a) 90°; (b) 120°; (c) 150°; (d) 27°.

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