two tug boats are towing a large boat, of mass 22500kg back to shore. Tug boat 1 is pulling with a force of 5500 N at an angle of 35 degrees north of the forward motion and tug boat 2 is pulling with a force of 4907.8 N at an angle of 40 degrees south of the forward motion. If the large boat is being pulled with the constant velocity, and there is a resistive force to the motion, then what size is the resistive force?

Question

two tug boats are towing a large boat, of mass 22500kg back to shore.  Tug boat 1 is pulling with a force of 5500 N at an angle of 35 degrees north of the forward motion and tug boat 2 is pulling with a force of 4907.8 N at an angle of 40 degrees south of the forward motion.  If the large boat is being pulled with the constant velocity, and there is a resistive force to the motion, then what size is the resistive force?

kainui · Answer

First draw a picture and then separate out your forces into x and y directions with the help of sine and cosine. Then set up an equation in which your forces are in equilibrium and use substitution to help you solve.

I can give you more specific help if you need it, but try that first and see if it helps.

anonymous · Answer

Im struggling drawing the picture im not sure where the forward motion is and stuff...

kainui · Answer

|dw:1326060028069:dw|

I've drawn out and labelled the boats for you. in order to break it up into x and y components you have to remember the following:

|dw:1326060192610:dw|
$$x=F*\cos \theta$$$$y=F*\sin \theta$$