FIGURE 5-7
-A ship is being pulled through a harbor by two tug boats at constant velocity as shown in Fig. 5-7. The lines attached to the two tug boats have the same tension, 200,000 N. The lines each make an angle 28.0° to the direction the ship is being towed. What is the magnitude of the drag force on the ship?

Question

FIGURE 5-7

-A ship is being pulled through a harbor by two tug boats at constant velocity as shown in Fig. 5-7. The lines attached to the two tug boats have the same tension, 200,000 N. The lines each make an angle 28.0° to the direction the ship is being towed. What is the magnitude of the drag force on the ship?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The horizontal components of the tension from both tug boats must balance the drag force since the ship is moving at constant velocity. Each tug boat contributes a horizontal force of 200,000 N * cos(28°). Therefore, the total drag force is 2 * 200,000 N * cos(28°) = 3.53 × 10^5 N.

FIGURE 5-7 -A Ship Is Being Pulled Through a Harbor by Two