What is the work done by the two tugs pulling a tanker?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves two tugs pulling a tanker with specified forces and angles, aiming to calculate the work done as the tanker is pulled a certain distance. The subject area pertains to physics, specifically work and energy in the context of forces and vectors.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculation of work using the formula W=Fs, with attempts to resolve the vector components of the forces applied by the tugs. There are questions regarding the correct application of distance and units in the calculations.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the original poster's calculations, noting issues with the distance measurement and unit conversions. There is no explicit consensus yet, but guidance regarding unit considerations has been provided.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of confusion regarding the units of distance, as the distance is initially given in kilometers while the calculations seem to assume meters. This discrepancy is being highlighted in the discussion.

mjcowley
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Homework Statement



Two tugs pull a tanker. Each at a force 1400000N with one at an angle 14degrees west of north, the other 14degrees east of north. They pull the tanker 0.66km north.

Homework Equations



W=Fs

The Attempt at a Solution



I simply took the vector force of 1 tanker

1400000Cos(14) = 1358414N multiplied it by two for both tugs = 2716828

Therefore W (asked in 3 sig figs) = 2716828*0.66 = 1.79*10^6Nm

Unfortunately I'm told this is wrong :frown:

Appreciate any help!
 
Last edited:
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You forgot the distance!
 
mjcowley said:

Homework Statement



Two tugs pull a tanker. Each at a force 1400000N with one at an angle 14degrees west of north, the other 14degrees east of north. They pull the tanker 0.66km north.

Homework Equations



W=Fs

The Attempt at a Solution



I simply took the vector force of 1 tanker

1400000Cos(14) = 1358414N multiplied it by two for both tugs = 2716828

Therefore W (asked in 3 sig figs) = 2716828*0.66 = 1.79*10^6Nm

Unfortunately I'm told this is wrong :frown:

Appreciate any help!


Look at your units.
 
Doc Al said:
You forgot the distance!
OK... you put in the distance (good!), but the distance is measured in km, not meters.
 
lylos said:
Look at your units.

Good ol MKS

Thanks for that :)
 

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