Relative Velocity and River Boat Problems
The Relative Velocity and River Boat Problems Video Tutorial discusses the concept of relative velocity. The concept is applied to explain the analysis of the motion of planes moving amidst winds and the motion of boats heading up, down, and across a river in the presence of a current.
The video lesson answers the following questions:
- What is meant by the term relative velocity?
- When a boat heads up, down or across a river, what effect does the river current have on the boat’s motion?
Video
You can watch the video below, or click here to watch on YouTube (opens in a new tab).
To improve the effectiveness of the learning experience, The Physics Classroom has provided the following tools:
Additional and Related Learning Tools
Calculator Pad, Vectors and Projectiles Chapter, Problems #19 - #21
If you want practice with using mathematical ideas, our Caculator Pad is a great starting point. (You can finish there also.) You will find problems, answers, and audio-guided solutions. Problems #19-#21 of our Vectors and Projectiles problem set include three river boat problems ... of the type discussed in this video.
Physics Interactives - River Boat Simulator
Don't own a boat? No river near by? No problem! We got you covered. Hop on our River Boat Simulator and take a trip across the river. Head your boat across the river or at an angle upstream or downstream; change the current speed or the river width; and EXPLORE! Concept Builder: Relative Velocity Someday we are going to have a Relative Velocity Concept Builder. And when we do, we will add the link right here.
Minds On Physics App #1, Vectors and Projectiles Module, Mission VP6
For serious learners, Minds On Physics is the tool for refining your understandings. Download the app to your phone or tablet and see what we mean. Mission VP6 coordinates with this video.
Physics Classroom Tutorial, Vectors and Motion in Two Dimensions Chapter, Relative Velocity and River Boat Problems
Our Tutorial page on with the same name as our video takes a similar approach to the topic of river boat problems. You will find a few more practice problems here ... especially at the bottom of the page. It's worth a visit when you need a refresher or just a quick reference.
Teacher Resources
Teacher Toolkits: Vectors
Planning a unit or a series of lessons on Vectors? We can help. Try a Toolkit - a collection of vetted resources that are multi-media reliant and standards-based. This one on Vectors should stimulate several good ideas.
Curriculum Corner: Vectors and Projectiles
Our Curriculum Corner consists of a large collection of Think Sheets on variety of topics. They provide a systematic and developmental approach to the concepts of Physics. The following will be of particular interest when teaching about relative velocity:
Relative Velocity and River Boat Problems
Calculator Pad, Vectors and Projectiles Chapter, Problems #19 - #21
If you want to provide students with practice with using mathematical ideas, our Caculator Pad is a great starting point. (You can finish there also.) You will find problems, answers, and audio-guided solutions. Problems #19-#21 of our Vectors and Projectiles problem set include three river boat problems ... of the type discussed in this video.
Physics Interactives - River Boat Simulator
Don't own a boat? No river near by? No problem! We got you covered. Hop on our River Boat Simulator and take a trip across the river. Students can head their boat across the river or at an angle upstream or downstream; change the current speed or the river width; and EXPLORE! The simulation is accompanied by two different classroom-ready activity pages. Concept Builder: Relative Velocity Someday we are going to have a Relative Velocity Concept Builder. And when we do, we will add the link right here.
Minds On Physics App #1, Vectors and Projectiles Module, Mission VP6
For serious learners, Minds On Physics is the tool for refining understanding. These interactive questioning modules can be downloaded to a phone and tablet. There is a built-in progress-tracking capability that allows teachers to make assignments and check on student progress.. Mission VP6 coordinates with this video.
Physics Classroom Tutorial, Vectors and Motion in Two Dimensions Chapter, Relative Velocity and River Boat Problems
Our Tutorial page on with the same name as our video takes a similar approach to the topic of river boat problems. You will find a few more practice problems here ... especially at the bottom of the page. It's worth a visit when you or a student needs a refresher or just a quick reference ... or even some sample problems.
Lesson Notes
Download (opens in a new tab) or view below
Slides
Do you like the slides we used? They are available in our low cost Teacher Presentation Pack, along with other updated materials used in our presentation.