Force of Friction on Boat w/ Thrust

In summary, the boat moving at a constant speed of 30 mph towards the west with a thrust of 500 N generated by the motor will experience a force of friction equal to 500 N towards the east, as the net force on the boat is zero due to the lack of acceleration. This makes option a, 500 N to the east, the correct answer.
  • #1
air-in
9
0

Homework Statement


A boat moves across the water at a constant 30 mph towards the west. If the motor is generating a thrust of 500 M then the force of friction on the boat must be...
a. 500 N to the east
b. 500 N to the west
c. less than 500 N to the east
d. less than 500 N to the west

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I originally thought c, becuase the Ff must be going in the opposite direction of the boat, which would be east, and in order for it to actually be moving, Ff must be less than the thrust of 500 N, pushing the boat to the west.
C is incorrect though, so now I'm not sure what to think.
 
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  • #2
air-in said:

Homework Statement


A boat moves across the water at a constant 30 mph towards the west. If the motor is generating a thrust of 500 M then the force of friction on the boat must be...
a. 500 N to the east
b. 500 N to the west
c. less than 500 N to the east
d. less than 500 N to the west

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I originally thought c, becuase the Ff must be going in the opposite direction of the boat, which would be east, and in order for it to actually be moving, Ff must be less than the thrust of 500 N, pushing the boat to the west.
C is incorrect though, so now I'm not sure what to think.
You don't list any relevant equations. You must know one relating force, mass and acceleration.
 
  • #3
haruspex said:
You don't list any relevant equations. You must know one relating force, mass and acceleration.
Fnet = ma but the question doesn't give me mass or acceleration
 
  • #4
air-in said:
Fnet = ma but the question doesn't give me mass or acceleration
It does tell you the acceleration. Read it carefully.
 
  • #5
haruspex said:
It does tell you the acceleration. Read it carefully.
a = 0
so Fnet = m(0) = 0
so the answer is a (500 N to the east), because Ff will be equal to the 500 N west
 
  • #6
air-in said:
a = 0
so Fnet = m(0) = 0
so the answer is a (500 N to the east), because Ff will be equal to the 500 N west
Yes.
 
  • #7
haruspex said:
Yes.
Thank you!
 

Related to Force of Friction on Boat w/ Thrust

What is the force of friction on a boat with thrust?

The force of friction on a boat with thrust is the resistance force that acts against the forward motion of the boat. It is caused by the interaction between the boat's hull and the surrounding water. The force of friction can vary depending on factors such as the speed of the boat, the shape of the hull, and the properties of the water.

How does the force of friction affect a boat's speed?

The force of friction can decrease a boat's speed by creating a drag force that opposes the boat's motion. The amount of friction will depend on the surface area of the hull in contact with the water and the speed of the boat. As the boat's speed increases, so does the force of friction, resulting in a decrease in speed.

How can the force of friction on a boat be reduced?

The force of friction on a boat can be reduced by making changes to the boat's design. For example, a more streamlined hull can reduce the surface area in contact with the water, thereby decreasing the force of friction. Additionally, using materials with low friction coefficients, such as Teflon, can also help reduce the force of friction on a boat.

What is the role of thrust in overcoming the force of friction on a boat?

Thrust is the force that propels a boat forward. In order to overcome the force of friction, the thrust produced by the boat's engine or motor must be greater than the force of friction. This allows the boat to maintain its speed or even increase it, depending on the amount of thrust being generated.

How does the force of friction on a boat impact its maneuverability?

The force of friction can affect a boat's maneuverability by creating resistance to changes in direction. This can be particularly noticeable at high speeds. The shape and design of the hull can also impact a boat's maneuverability, as a more streamlined hull can reduce the amount of friction and allow for easier maneuvering.

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