Understanding Deceleration: Investigating the Force and Energy Changes on a Ship

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem concerning the deceleration of a ship with a mass of 2.5 x 10^7 kg. Participants are exploring the forces acting on the ship during its deceleration, the nature of these forces, and the energy changes involved as the ship slows down.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to calculate the force using the formula f=ma, while questioning the implications of a negative force during deceleration. There is discussion about the nature of the force causing the deceleration, with suggestions that it may involve friction or external forces like a tugboat. Questions are raised about the energy transformation as the ship slows down, particularly the relationship between kinetic and potential energy.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active with various interpretations being explored. Some participants have provided insights into the nature of forces and energy changes, while others are seeking clarification on terminology and concepts. There is no explicit consensus on the answers, but productive questions and considerations are being shared.

Contextual Notes

Participants are grappling with definitions and concepts such as the "nature of a force" and the types of energy involved in the deceleration process. The problem does not specify the source of the force, leading to varied interpretations.

risa
Messages
1
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


1.If the ship has a mass of 2.5 x 10^7 kg calculate the magnitude of the force acting on the ship during the deceleration.

I was trying to work that out using f=ma but that would
Make the force negative , is that possible

2. What is the nature of the force acting on the ship which leads to the deceleratipn and how does it cause the ship to slow down?

Could someone please explain how to do this one please and I also have no idea what "nature of a force" is

3. What is the main energy change as the ship slows down

Is the answer from kinetic to potential?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

 

Attachments

  • 1454242781267754334836.jpg
    1454242781267754334836.jpg
    28.1 KB · Views: 490
Physics news on Phys.org
risa said:

Homework Statement


1.If the ship has a mass of 2.5 x 10^7 kg calculate the magnitude of the force acting on the ship during the deceleration.

I was trying to work that out using f=ma but that would
Make the force negative , is that possible
If the ship is decelerating, the force has to be in the opposite direction from the direction it is moving. So the force is negative.
2. What is the nature of the force acting on the ship which leads to the deceleratipn and how does it cause the ship to slow down?
The problem doesn't tell you what's causing the force. Maybe its a tug boat pulling back on the ship with a rope.
3. What is the main energy change as the ship slows down

Is the answer from kinetic to potential?
What's your understanding of the terms kinetic energy and potential energy?
 
the force would be negative so the answer is 12.5 x 10^4 N
the force acting on the ship slowing it down is friction as the base of the ship is rubbing against the surface of the ocean.
not sure of the energy change though. i know its kinetic to something else...if you get the answer post it please
 
risa said:
2. What is the nature of the force acting on the ship which leads to the deceleratipn and how does it cause the ship to slow down?
"Nature" might refer to the source of the force, its characteristics, or both.
Look at the statement at the very top of the attachment. What does it say?
Look at the shape of the graph. What does it tell you about the deceleration? What does that tell you about the force?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
1K
Replies
17
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
19
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 28 ·
Replies
28
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
33
Views
4K