Problem dealing with Newtons First Law

In summary, in order to pull a 75 kg water skier at a constant velocity, a force of ? N is needed. This can be calculated by using the equation F = ma and considering the given horizontal force of 620 N and acceleration of 2.1 m/s2, as well as the constant resistive force exerted by the water and wind. To maintain a constant velocity, the forces acting on the skier must be balanced, meaning the net force must be zero.
  • #1
shawonna23
146
0
A 75 kg water skier is being pulled by a horizontal force of 620 N and has an acceleration of 2.1 m/s2. Assuming that the total resistive force exerted on the skier by the water and the wind is constant, what force is needed to pull the skier at a constant velocity?

? N
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Once again, you should've included your solution.

Anyway, you're given all the three things: F, m and a. So evidently, simply plugging in F = ma is going to land you nowhere. Think of what the problem gives you and what it doesn't. Can you extract the unknown (hint: also constant) quantities from the data and use it for part 2? What does the phrase "constant velocity" translate in terms of forces?

Hope that helps...

Cheers
Vivek
 
  • #3


According to Newton's First Law, an object will remain at rest or in uniform motion in a straight line unless acted upon by an external force. In this scenario, the water skier is being pulled by a horizontal force of 620 N, resulting in an acceleration of 2.1 m/s2. This means that there must be a net force acting on the skier, as per the second law of motion.

To maintain a constant velocity, the net force on the skier must be zero, as there is no acceleration. This means that the force pulling the skier at a constant velocity must be equal and opposite to the resistive forces acting on the skier. Therefore, the force needed to pull the skier at a constant velocity would also be 620 N.

In conclusion, to keep the skier moving at a constant velocity, the pulling force must be equal to the resistive forces acting on the skier, which in this case is 620 N. This demonstrates the concept of Newton's First Law, where an object will continue to move at a constant velocity unless acted upon by an external force.
 

Related to Problem dealing with Newtons First Law

What is Newton's First Law?

Newton's First Law, also known as the Law of Inertia, states that an object at rest will remain at rest and an object in motion will remain in motion at a constant velocity unless acted upon by an external force.

How does Newton's First Law apply to everyday life?

Newton's First Law explains why objects do not spontaneously start moving or stop moving on their own. It also explains why we need seat belts in cars to prevent us from continuing to move forward when the car suddenly stops, and why it is easier to push a stationary object than to push an object in motion.

What are some examples of Newton's First Law in action?

Some examples of Newton's First Law include a ball rolling down a hill, a book sitting on a table, and a person gliding on ice. In each case, the object will continue to move or stay at rest until an external force, such as friction or gravity, acts upon it.

Why is Newton's First Law important in the field of physics?

Newton's First Law is important because it serves as the basis for understanding the concept of inertia, which is a fundamental property of matter. This law also lays the foundation for the other two laws of motion developed by Isaac Newton.

How can we apply Newton's First Law to solve problems?

In order to solve problems involving Newton's First Law, we must identify the forces acting upon an object and determine whether they are balanced or unbalanced. If the forces are balanced, the object will remain at rest or continue moving at a constant velocity. If the forces are unbalanced, the object will accelerate in the direction of the net force.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
13
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
13
Views
589
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
2
Replies
42
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
23
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
425
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
44
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
1K
Back
Top