Force of Friction on Boat w/ Thrust

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving the forces acting on a boat moving at a constant speed. The boat is propelled by a thrust of 500 N while experiencing frictional forces, and participants are tasked with determining the nature of these forces based on the information provided.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between thrust and friction, questioning the direction and magnitude of the frictional force in relation to the boat's motion. There is discussion about the implications of the boat moving at a constant speed and how that relates to net force.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered insights regarding the acceleration of the boat, noting that it is zero, which leads to discussions about net force and the equality of forces. There appears to be a divergence in understanding, with some participants affirming certain answers while others express uncertainty.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the absence of mass and acceleration values in the problem statement, which raises questions about how to apply the relevant equations of motion effectively.

air-in
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Homework Statement


A boat moves across the water at a constant 30 mph towards the west. If the motor is generating a thrust of 500 M then the force of friction on the boat must be...
a. 500 N to the east
b. 500 N to the west
c. less than 500 N to the east
d. less than 500 N to the west

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I originally thought c, because the Ff must be going in the opposite direction of the boat, which would be east, and in order for it to actually be moving, Ff must be less than the thrust of 500 N, pushing the boat to the west.
C is incorrect though, so now I'm not sure what to think.
 
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air-in said:

Homework Statement


A boat moves across the water at a constant 30 mph towards the west. If the motor is generating a thrust of 500 M then the force of friction on the boat must be...
a. 500 N to the east
b. 500 N to the west
c. less than 500 N to the east
d. less than 500 N to the west

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I originally thought c, because the Ff must be going in the opposite direction of the boat, which would be east, and in order for it to actually be moving, Ff must be less than the thrust of 500 N, pushing the boat to the west.
C is incorrect though, so now I'm not sure what to think.
You don't list any relevant equations. You must know one relating force, mass and acceleration.
 
haruspex said:
You don't list any relevant equations. You must know one relating force, mass and acceleration.
Fnet = ma but the question doesn't give me mass or acceleration
 
air-in said:
Fnet = ma but the question doesn't give me mass or acceleration
It does tell you the acceleration. Read it carefully.
 
haruspex said:
It does tell you the acceleration. Read it carefully.
a = 0
so Fnet = m(0) = 0
so the answer is a (500 N to the east), because Ff will be equal to the 500 N west
 
air-in said:
a = 0
so Fnet = m(0) = 0
so the answer is a (500 N to the east), because Ff will be equal to the 500 N west
Yes.
 
haruspex said:
Yes.
Thank you!
 

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