Solving F=MA: Boat Acceleration, Distance, Velocity

  • Thread starter Thread starter smartjack
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion revolves around solving the physics problem of a boat's acceleration, distance, and velocity under the influence of two forces: a forward push of 20,000N and a resistive force of 2,000N. The net force acting on the boat is calculated to be 18,000N. However, participants highlight the necessity of knowing the boat's mass to apply Newton's second law (F=ma) effectively. Without this critical information, the problem remains unsolvable, emphasizing the importance of complete data in physics problems.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's second law (F=ma)
  • Basic knowledge of forces and motion
  • Familiarity with fluid dynamics and resistive forces
  • Ability to perform basic algebraic calculations
NEXT STEPS
  • Research how to calculate acceleration using net force and mass
  • Study the effects of fluid friction on moving objects
  • Learn about the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration in real-world scenarios
  • Explore common physics problems involving forces and motion
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, educators teaching mechanics, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of motion and forces in real-world applications.

smartjack
Messages
4
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


A boat moves through the water with two forces acting upon it. One is [F1x]=20000N forward push by the water on the propeller, and the other is [Ffrx]=2000n resistivive (friction) force due to the water around the bow
(A) What is the acceleration of the boat?
(B) If it starts from rest,how far will the boat move in 10s?
(C) what will the velocity be in the end of that time?
(D) what is the boat weight?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

I know that the netforce will be 18000N but I really don't know where to go from there. I know the F=ma but without extra information I don't know what to do. Please help
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Is it even possible to solve with just this information?
 
smartjack said:

Homework Statement


A boat moves through the water with two forces acting upon it. One is [F1x]=20000N forward push by the water on the propeller, and the other is [Ffrx]=2000n resistivive (friction) force due to the water around the bow
(A) What is the acceleration of the boat?
(B) If it starts from rest,how far will the boat move in 10s?
(C) what will the velocity be in the end of that time?
(D) what is the boat weight?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

I know that the netforce will be 18000N but I really don't know where to go from there. I know the F=ma but without extra information I don't know what to do. Please help
Where did you get this problem? Are you asked to solve in terms of the mass of the boat?

AM
 
I got this from my professor as part of my homework. No I am not asked to solve in terms of mass, it is exactly as I typed it.
 
smartjack said:
Is it even possible to solve with just this information?
Hi smartjack. http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/5725/red5e5etimes5e5e45e5e25.gif

You need additional information to solve this, e.g., the boat's mass.

Besides, it is an unrealistic situation, to say the boat experiences a constant friction force. Fluid friction varies steeply with speed.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
IF OP has given ALL information, this is indeed, stangely worded and insoluble. (That's why I highly doubt it is true)

IF, however, somewhere else, OP has been given a pseudoformula for the resistive force within which the mass of the boat is an included parameter, THEN the problem might be technically solvable.

(But, I would probably take issue with such a formula, but that's beside the main point here)
 
I talked to the professor, and he said he must have left out the mass of the boat. Which with the mass I can easily solve the problem. Thank you for your help, I tried to work on this for hours and was getting no where, I thought I had missed something fundamental in my classes.
 
smartjack said:
I talked to the professor, and he said he must have left out the mass of the boat. Which with the mass I can easily solve the problem. Thank you for your help, I tried to work on this for hours and was getting no where, I thought I had missed something fundamental in my classes.
Thanks for getting back. :smile:
 

Similar threads

Man pulling a boat along the water with a rope (from above on a steep bank)
  • · Replies 31 ·
2
Replies
31
Views
2K
Find velocity of boat as function of the time
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
How to calculate the velocity of water streaming into the boat?
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
1K
2000 kg boat, motor force of 6000 N, resistance 2000 N
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Boat with Friction: CoM / Minimum Time Problem
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
What is the speed of the boat relative to the water?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
Velocity and position of the boat
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
Newton's third law: Rower makes boat move forward
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
6K
Man Rows Boat: Force, Angle, Velocity Examined
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
Friction Force and Decelerating Boat
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K