Force, magnitude, and direction HELP

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a boat with a specified mass and changing velocity, where multiple forces are acting on it. The objective is to determine the magnitude and direction of the wind force acting on the boat, given the forces from the engine and water resistance.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss breaking down forces and velocities into components, questioning the original poster's method of calculating total speed from components. There is also a focus on using F=ma to find the total force.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing feedback on the original poster's calculations and suggesting alternative approaches. There is an acknowledgment of confusion regarding the calculations, and participants are exploring the reasoning behind the steps taken.

Contextual Notes

The original poster expresses uncertainty about their calculations and seeks clarification on the first part of the problem to proceed further. There is an indication of potential misunderstanding in the application of physics principles.

bellawella
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Homework Statement



A 322-kg boat is sailing 14.5° north of east at a speed of 1.84 m/s. Thirty seconds later, it is sailing 34.2° north of east at a speed of 4.40 m/s. During this time, three forces act on the boat: a 33.6-N force directed 14.5° north of east (due to an auxiliary engine), a 24.3-N force directed 14.5° south of west (resistance due to the water), and FW (due to the wind). Find the magnitude and direction of the force FW. Express the direction as an angle with respect to due east.


Homework Equations




The Attempt at a Solution



Vo= 1.84cos(14.5) + 1.84sin(14.5) = 2.24
Vf= 4.4cos(34.2) + 4.4sin(34.2) = 6.11

(6.11-2.24)/30 = a = .13 m/s2

Ftotal = 322 x .13 = 41.86 N

Fengine= 33.6cos(14.5) + 33.6sin(14.5)= 40.9
Fresistance= -24.3cos(14.5) - 24.3cos(14.5)= -29.6

Ftotal=Fengine+Fresistance+Fw
41.86=40.9+(-29.6)+FW
FW= 30.6

But its wrong ! PLEASE help me by explaining with numbers. I've rechecked my calculations so many times. and I can't get to the second part without the first, so please help. Thanks!
 
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split all forces and speeds in north/south and east/west components. Use F=ma
in the north/south and in the east/west direction.

Vo= 1.84cos(14.5) + 1.84sin(14.5) = 2.24

What you do here doesn't make sense. You compute the 2 components of the speed and
then add them to get another speed?
 
heyy. no i didnt compute them to get a total speed. i used deltaV/time and got acceleration. then i multiplied acceleration times mass to get the total force. and thanks for the advice, I am not sure ill do it right but ill give it a shot. words usually confuse me!
 
or maybe i did? ahhh i don't even know what i did now :\
 

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