Final answer:
To accelerate the SS Norway to its cruising speed, the work done is calculated as the product of force and distance, yielding 3.2 x 10⁹ joules. Therefore, the correct answer is option A: 3.2 x 10⁹ J.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student has asked how much work must be done to accelerate the SS Norway from rest to its top cruising speed, given a force and a distance. Work done can be calculated using the formula: Work (W) = Force (F) × Distance (d), where Force is the constant force applied and Distance is the displacement over which the force is applied.
Given that the force is 1.6 × 10⁵ N and the distance is 2.0 km (which is 2000 meters), we can plug these values into the formula:
W = (1.6 × 10⁵ N) × (2.0 × 10³ m)
W = (1.6 × 2.0) × (10⁵ × 10³) J
W = 3.2 × 10⁸ J
So, the correct answer would be option A: 3.2 × 10⁹ J.