Net Force of object changing velocity

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the net force acting on a supertanker with a mass of 1.0 X 10^8 kg that accelerates from rest to a speed of 4.1 km/h over a distance of 3.5 km. The user initially attempts to apply the kinematic equation to find acceleration but struggles with unit conversions. It is emphasized that velocity must be converted to meters per second and distance to meters for accurate calculations. The correct acceleration is determined to be approximately 0.67 m/s² after proper conversion, leading to the calculation of net force using F=ma. The expected answer from the textbook is 1.9 X 10^4 N, indicating the importance of precise unit handling in physics problems.
ital_dj
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[SOLVED] Net Force of object changing velocity

Hi, I'm studying for a test, so there might be a few of these in the next hour or so.

Homework Statement


A supertanker of mass 1.0 X 10^{8} kg travels 3.5km, reaching a speed of 4.1km/h from rest. What was the magnitude of the unbalanced force acting on it?

Homework Equations


Fnet = ma
v^{2}_{2} = v^{2}_{1} + 2a\Deltad

The Attempt at a Solution


I tried (4.1km/h)^2 = 2a(3.5km)
\frac{16.81km/h^2}{3.5km} = 2a
4.80km = 2a
2.4km/h = a

and then I tried converting it by dividing it by 60 twice, and sliding to the right 3 decimal places, then inserting it into the Fnet = ma.

I'm really stuck, and that's not good if I have a unit test tomorrow :frown:
 
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When using F=ma, you need m to be in kg and a to be in m/s^2
So, convert the velocities into m/s and the distance into m
 
I'll try it again but instead beforehand.. I did it after, though, does that make a difference?
EDIT: still not working out though.
 
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ital_dj said:
I'll try it again but instead beforehand.. I did it after, though, does that make a difference?

Not really but it seems correct that a=2.4kmh^{-2}. Just multiply by 1000 and divide by 3600 and it should be correct.
 
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The answer in the book is 1.9 * 10^4

By multiplying 2.4 times 1000 and dividing by 3600 gives me 0.67. Still not correct. :S
 
ital_dj said:
The answer in the book is 1.9 * 10^4

By multiplying 2.4 times 1000 and dividing by 3600 gives me 0.67. Still not correct. :S

Divide by 3600^2 . Sorry,told you to do the wrong thing.
 
OK Thanks.
 
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