Question

1. a sailboat moving southward through the water experiences a force of 2500 n exerted by the wind on its sails. the water and air resistance apply a force of 1500 n in the opposite direction of the sailboats direction of travel. which of the following best describes the forces exerted on the sailboat? a. the forces are unbalanced in the direction of motion. b. the forces are unbalanced in the direction opposite the motion. c. the forces on the boat are balanced and the boat is speeding up and moving northward. d. the forces on the boat are balanced and the boat is speeding up and moving southward

Explanation:

Step1: Calculate net - force

The force exerted by the wind on the sails is $F_{wind}=2500\ N$ (in the south - ward direction) and the resistance force is $F_{res}=1500\ N$ (in the north - ward direction). The net force $F_{net}=F_{wind}-F_{res}$.
$F_{net}=2500 - 1500=1000\ N$ in the south - ward direction.

Step2: Analyze force balance

Since $F_{net}
eq0$, the forces are unbalanced in the direction of motion (south - ward).

Answer:

A. The forces are unbalanced in the direction of motion.