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.
2 exam-style questions on Edexcel A Level Maths 7.2 Modelling with Statics. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.