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Chapter 2: Problem 13

Single-engine airplanes usually have their propeller at the front. Boats and ships usually have their propeller(s) at the rear. From the perspective of Newton's second law of motion, is this significant?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: The propeller placement in relation to Newton's second law of motion affects the force required to overcome resistance (air for airplanes, water for boats) and the acceleration of the vehicle. By having the propeller at the front for airplanes, it provides a stable center of gravity and control during flight. For boats, having the propeller at the rear allows for better maneuverability and control, as water flow is less disrupted. Thus, the propeller's location is significant in ensuring efficient and controlled motion for both airplanes and boats.

Step by step solution

01

Understand Newton's Second Law of Motion

Newton's second law states that the force acting on an object is equal to the mass of the object multiplied by its acceleration (F = ma). This law is applicable to any object that is moving or accelerating.
02

Analyze the single-engine airplane with its propeller at the front

In an airplane, the propeller generates a forward thrust force, which, according to Newton's second law of motion, causes the airplane to accelerate forward. When the propeller is at the front, this thrust force has to overcome air resistance or drag, acting on the airplane's entire body, and the airplane's mass, to cause forward acceleration. The positioning of the propeller at the front is effective in providing the airplane with a stable center of gravity and control during flight.
03

Analyze the boat or ship with its propeller(s) at the rear

In the case of boats and ships, the propeller generates a forward thrust force that causes the vessel to move forward in the water. When the propeller is placed at the rear, it pushes water backward, and in turn, the water exerts an equal and opposite force on the vessel (according to Newton's third law of motion), which moves it forward. Having the propeller at the rear reduces turbulence and allows for better maneuverability and control, as water flow is less disrupted compared to having the propeller at the front.
04

Discuss the significance of propeller placement in relation to Newton's second law of motion

From the perspective of Newton's second law of motion, the propeller's location (front or rear) affects the force required to overcome resistance (air for airplanes, water for boats) and the acceleration of the vehicle. Since both airplanes and boats achieve their primary aim of forward motion through the force generated by the propeller, it can be said that the propeller placement in relation to Newton's second law of motion is significant in ensuring efficient and controlled motion. However, it's important to note that other factors, such as the aerodynamics, hull design, and stability considerations, also play a crucial role in determining the propeller's location.

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