Question

study of bluefish locomotion found that their tail motion produces an average thrust of 0.65 N . Suppose a 1.7 kg bluefish that is coasting horizontally at 0.45 m/s suddenly begins tail motion.

Answer 1

he fish would travel a horizontal distance of 1.78 meters during the 2 seconds of tail motion

Step-by-step explanation:

The initial horizontal velocity of the bluefish is 0.45 m/s. When it begins tail motion, it experiences an additional force due to the thrust produced by the tail. The thrust produced by the tail is 0.65 N. We can use Newton's second law to find the acceleration produced by this force:

F = ma

0.65 N = 1.7 kg * a

a = 0.38 m/s^2

This acceleration will cause the velocity of the bluefish to increase over time. The distance the fish travels during this time can be calculated using the kinematic equation:

d = vit + 1/2 at^2

where d is the distance traveled, vi is the initial velocity, a is the acceleration, and t is the time. Since the fish is initially coasting horizontally, its initial vertical velocity is 0 m/s. Therefore, vi = 0.45 m/s. The time interval for which the fish is tail-motoring is not given, so let's assume it is 2 seconds:

d = (0.45 m/s)(2 s) + 1/2 (0.38 m/s^2)(2 s)^2

d = 1.78 meters

Therefore, the fish would travel a horizontal distance of 1.78 meters during the 2 seconds of tail motion.