A tugboat is towing a supply barge across a lake at a constant velocity. The two vessels are connected by a horizontal cable in which there is a tension of T T\,T newtons.
The engines of the tugboat exert a constant forward thrust of 14,400 N14,400 \text{ N}14,400 N.
The water resistance (drag) acting on the barge is 5,850 N5,850 \text{ N}5,850 N.
State the value of TTT, providing a physical reason for your answer.
State one assumption you have made about the cable in your model.
Determine the magnitude of the resistive drag force acting specifically on the tugboat.
Practise Edexcel A Level Maths Applications of Forces with exam-style questions for A Level Maths. 47 questions covering Static Particles, Modelling with Statics, Friction and Static Particles, Static Rigid Bodies, Dynamics and Inclined Planes, and Connected Particles 2, matched to the Edexcel A Level Maths (9MA0) specification and written in Paper 1, Paper 2 and Paper 3 style. Every question includes a full worked solution and mark scheme, so you can see where marks are awarded rather than just whether you got the answer right.