How Is Net Work Calculated When Pulling a Boat?

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SUMMARY

The net work done on a boat being pulled by two locomotives through a canal is calculated using the formula W = 2 * [F * d * cos(θ)], where F is the tension in the cable, d is the distance, and θ is the angle of pull. In this case, the tension is 4.27 x 10^3 N, the distance is 1.04 km (which must be converted to meters), and θ is 20 degrees. The correct calculation for the work done is W = 2 * [4.27 x 10^3 N * 1040 m * cos(20°)], resulting in a total work of 8345 J. The error in the initial calculation stemmed from not converting the distance from kilometers to meters.

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http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/6533/c6p4ty2.jpg

The drawing shows a boat being pulled by two locomotives through a canal of length 1.04 km. The tension in each cable is 4.27 x 103 N, and theta = 20.0o. what is the net work done on the boat by the two locomotives?


Here is what I've done so far:

Force=4.27*10^3
delta(r)=1.04
theta=20

W=2* [4.27*10^3 (1.04) (cos20) ]

=8345J

What am I doing wrong here? thanks
 
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The distance is given in km--convert to meters.
 

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