A boat has a mass of 7660 kg. Its engines generate a drive force of 4080 N due west, while the wind exerts a force of 680 N due east and the water exerts a resistive force of 1160 N due east. Take west to be the positive direction. What is the boat’s acceleration, with correct sign
Question
Answer:
0.29 m/s due west.
Explanation:
According to newton’s second law,
Net force acting on an object = mass×acceleration
From the question,
F+F₁+F₂ = ma……………. Equation 1
Where F = The force generated from the engine, F₁ = Force exerted by the wind, F₂ = Force exerted due to the water, m = mass of the boat, a = acceleration of the boat.
Given: F = 4080 N , F₁ = -680 N(east), F₂ = -1160 N(east). m = 7660 kg
substitute into equation 1
4080-680-1160 = 7660(a)
2240 = 7660a
Therefore,
a = 2440/7660
a = 0.29 m/s due west.