Find Tension in Motorboat Towline: Homework Solution

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In summary, the conversation discusses finding the tension in a towline when a boat is moving at a constant speed of 15.0m/s with an engine delivering 30.0kW to the propeller. The solution involves using the formula P=FV and determining that the tension in the towline would also be 2000N. The conversation ends with the original poster expressing gratitude for confirmation of their solution.
  • #1
cturtle
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Homework Statement



The engine of a motorboat delivers 30.0 kW to the propeller while the boat is moving at 15.0m/s. What would be the tension in the towline if the boat were being towed at the same speed?


The Attempt at a Solution



I used P= FV to find F= 2000N, but now I don't know how to find tension. Please help!
 
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  • #2
Please excuse me if I am wrong, but unless anyone says otherwise, I believe that you have found the answer.
You found the force required to move the boat at 15m/s (F=2kN). So to move that boat at the same speed (15m/s) should require the same amount of force. It's just being applied in a different way.
 
  • #3
Thanks so much! I figured it out a little after I posted the question, but thanks for confirming my thoughts!
 

What is the purpose of finding tension in a motorboat towline?

The purpose of finding tension in a motorboat towline is to ensure that the towline is strong enough to safely pull the weight of the object being towed. It also helps to prevent the towline from breaking or snapping under the strain of the weight.

How do you calculate tension in a motorboat towline?

Tension in a motorboat towline is calculated using the formula T = m x a, where T is the tension in Newtons, m is the mass of the object being towed in kilograms, and a is the acceleration of the object in meters per second squared.

What factors can affect the tension in a motorboat towline?

There are several factors that can affect the tension in a motorboat towline, including the weight of the object being towed, the speed and acceleration of the motorboat, and the length and thickness of the towline. External factors such as wind and waves can also impact the tension in the towline.

Why is it important to find the tension in a motorboat towline?

It is important to find the tension in a motorboat towline to ensure the safety of both the motorboat and the object being towed. If the tension is too low, the towline may snap or the object may become loose and cause damage. If the tension is too high, it can put strain on the motorboat's engine and potentially cause it to malfunction.

What are some potential sources of error when finding tension in a motorboat towline?

Potential sources of error when finding tension in a motorboat towline include inaccurate measurements of the object's weight, variations in acceleration due to external factors, and human error in calculations. Other factors such as temperature and humidity can also affect the accuracy of the tension calculation.

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