Final answer:
To find the drag force of the water on the barge, we can use the second law of motion and the mass and acceleration of the barge. The drag force opposes the motion of the barge and can be calculated using the formula F = ma.
Step-by-step explanation:
In this question, we are asked to find the drag force of the water on the barge. The drag force is a frictional force exerted by fluids, such as air or water, and it opposes the motion of the object. To find the drag force, we need to use the second law of motion, which states that force equals mass times acceleration (F=ma).
The mass of the barge is given as 5.0 × 10^6 kg and its acceleration is observed to be 7.5 × 10^-2 m/s² in the direction shown. By substituting these values into the formula, we can find the drag force acting on the barge.
Using the equation F=ma, we can calculate the drag force as follows:
F = (5.0 × 10^6 kg)(7.5 × 10^-2 m/s²)