Rain is falling vertically with a velocity of \[25m{s^{ - 1}}\]. A woman rides a bicycle with a speed of \[10m{s^{ - 1}}\] in the north to south direction. What is the direction (angle with vertical) in which she should hold her umbrella to save herself from rain?
A) ${\tan ^{ - 1}}\left( {0.4} \right)$
B) ${\tan ^{ - 1}}\left( 1 \right)$
C) ${\tan ^{ - 1}}\left( {\sqrt 3 } \right)$
D) ${\tan ^{ - 1}}\left( {2.6} \right)$
Answer
302.4k+ views
Hint: In the given question, we have the velocity of the rain and the velocity of the woman with which she is riding a bicycle in the north to south direction. With this information, we can find the velocity of rain with respect to the woman. Now, the relative velocity will be forming an angle with the vertical which can then be calculated by the tangent of the angle by using the direction diagram.
Complete step by step solution:
According to the question, we are given:
Velocity of rain, \[{v_R} = 25m{s^{ - 1}}\]
Velocity of woman, \[{v_W} = 10m{s^{ - 1}}\]
Now, we need to calculate the relative velocity.
Velocity of rain with respect to the woman will be given by:
\[{v_{R/W}} = {v_R} - {v_W}\]
Let us now see the direction diagram to find the angle with the vertical.

Now, the relative velocity ${v_{R/W}}$ is making an angle $\theta $ with the vertical axis.
From the above diagram, we can find the basic elements which are:
The perpendicular of the triangle formed is \[{v_W}\] and the base of the triangle is \[{v_R}\].
So, we can calculate the tangent of the angle by dividing the perpendicular by the base of the triangle.
\[
\tan \theta = \dfrac{{{v_W}}}{{{v_R}}} = \dfrac{{10}}{{25}} = 0.4 \\
\theta = {\tan ^{ - 1}}\left( {0.4} \right) \\
\]
Therefore, the woman should hold her umbrella at an angle of \[\theta = {\tan ^{ - 1}}\left( {0.4} \right)\] with the vertical towards the south.
Hence, option (A) is correct.
Note: These types of questions can be solved by using basic mathematics with the help of a direction diagram. We should always be cautious in doing such calculations because a small calculation mistake can lead us to incorrect answers. Also, we need to be precise with the details given in the question.
Complete step by step solution:
According to the question, we are given:
Velocity of rain, \[{v_R} = 25m{s^{ - 1}}\]
Velocity of woman, \[{v_W} = 10m{s^{ - 1}}\]
Now, we need to calculate the relative velocity.
Velocity of rain with respect to the woman will be given by:
\[{v_{R/W}} = {v_R} - {v_W}\]
Let us now see the direction diagram to find the angle with the vertical.

Now, the relative velocity ${v_{R/W}}$ is making an angle $\theta $ with the vertical axis.
From the above diagram, we can find the basic elements which are:
The perpendicular of the triangle formed is \[{v_W}\] and the base of the triangle is \[{v_R}\].
So, we can calculate the tangent of the angle by dividing the perpendicular by the base of the triangle.
\[
\tan \theta = \dfrac{{{v_W}}}{{{v_R}}} = \dfrac{{10}}{{25}} = 0.4 \\
\theta = {\tan ^{ - 1}}\left( {0.4} \right) \\
\]
Therefore, the woman should hold her umbrella at an angle of \[\theta = {\tan ^{ - 1}}\left( {0.4} \right)\] with the vertical towards the south.
Hence, option (A) is correct.
Note: These types of questions can be solved by using basic mathematics with the help of a direction diagram. We should always be cautious in doing such calculations because a small calculation mistake can lead us to incorrect answers. Also, we need to be precise with the details given in the question.
Recently Updated Pages
Four persons A B C and D initially at the corners of class 11 physics JEE_Main

What is the difference between Conduction and conv class 11 physics JEE_Main

Moment of inertia of solid sphere about its diameter class 11 physics JEE_Main

If a piece of ice floating on the surface of water class 11 physics JEE_Main

At what temperature speed of sound in air will be doubled class 11 physics JEE_Main

A closed organ pipe and an open organ pipe are tuned class 11 physics JEE_Main

Trending doubts
JEE Main 2026: Exam Dates, Session 2 Updates, City Slip, Admit Card & Latest News

Understanding the Electric Field of a Uniformly Charged Ring

Derivation of Equation of Trajectory Explained for Students

Understanding Atomic Structure for Beginners

Understanding Uniform Acceleration in Physics

How to Convert a Galvanometer into an Ammeter or Voltmeter

Other Pages
CBSE Notes Class 11 Physics Chapter 1 - Units And Measurements - 2026-27 PDF Download (Login Required)

NCERT Solutions For Class 11 Physics Chapter 1 Units And Measurements - 2026-27 Free PDF Download (Login Required)

NCERT Solutions For Class 11 Physics Chapter 2 Motion In A Straight Line - 2026-27 Free PDF Download (Login Required)

Important Questions For Class 11 Physics Chapter 1 Units and Measurement - 2026-27 Free PDF Download (Sign-in Required)

CBSE Notes Class 11 Physics Chapter 2 - Motion in a Straight Line - 2026-27 PDF Download (Login Required)

NCERT Solutions For Class 11 Physics Chapter 3 Motion In A Plane - 2026-27 Free PDF Download (Sign-in Required)

