Relating speed and engine horsepower of a ship to water resistance

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the force of water resistance opposing the aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy, which has a mass of 7.4 x 107 kg and operates at a full power output of 280,000 hp, translating to 208,880,000 Watts. At its top speed of 35 knots, only 70% of the engine's power is utilized for propulsion, necessitating the application of the work-energy theorem and the relationship between power, work, and force. The correct approach involves recognizing that power equals force multiplied by velocity, leading to the determination of water resistance.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the work-energy theorem
  • Familiarity with power calculations in physics
  • Knowledge of unit conversions, specifically horsepower to Watts
  • Basic principles of Newton's laws of motion
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the work-energy theorem in detail
  • Learn about the conversion of horsepower to Watts and its applications
  • Explore the relationship between force, velocity, and power in physics
  • Investigate the effects of water resistance on ship design and performance
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics, marine engineers, and anyone interested in the dynamics of ship propulsion and resistance calculations.

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Homework Statement


The aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy has mass 7.4*10^7kg. When its engines are developing their full power of 280000 hp, the John F. Kennedy travels at its top speed of 35 knots. If 70% of the power output of the engines is applied to pushing the ship through the water, what is the magnitude of the force of water resistance that opposes the carrier's motion at this speed?



Homework Equations


Kinetic energy: .5mv2
Work-energy theorem: Work=.5mv22-.5mv12
Power = Work/Time
Speed = meters/second
Work=Newtons*meters
1 hp= 746 Watts

The Attempt at a Solution


Convert horesepower to watts: 280000*746=208880000
I then tried to muliply this by the speed (forgetting it was speed rather than time) to find the work (forgetting that this wasn't equal to the force of the ship pushing against the water), then said that was the answer due to Newton's third law. Obviously, it didn't work. I am at a loss.
 
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Try this:

Power = Work/time = (Force*distance)/time = Force*velocity
 

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