What Force Maintains a Constant Velocity for a Water Skier?

[shawonna23]

Physics Homework Problem--Stuck?

A 75 kg water skier is being pulled by a horizontal force of 495 N and has an acceleration of 2.0 m/s2. Assuming that the total resistive force exerted on the skier by the water and the wind is constant, what force is needed to pull the skier at a constant velocity?


I tried doing this to solve the problem:

F=ma
F=75kg x 2.0= 150N

Then I added 150 and 495 to get 645 N but this is not the right answer.

Can someone please tell me what I did wrong?

 

[dextercioby]

What is the total resistive force...?

Daniel.

 

[Jameson]

$$F_{net} = ma$$

This stands for the net force.. not only one. Draw a force diagram and see where each one is going.