Question

When the pilot reverses the propeller in a boat moving north, the boat moves with acceleration directed south. Assume the acceleration of the boat remains constant in magnitude and direction. What happens to the boat? (a) It eventually stops and remains stopped. (b) It eventually stops and then speeds up in the forward direction. (c) It eventually stops and then speeds up in the reverse direction. (d) It never stops but loses speed more and more slowly forever. (e) It never stops but continues to speed up in the forward direction.

Short answer

The velocity of the boat eventually becomes zero at the start of reverse motion, and then speeds up in the downward direction. So, option (c) is correct.

Step-by-step solution

Identify given data

The boat is initially moving in the north direction, so the velocity of boat is upward and acceleration of boat is downward. The velocity becomes downward for reverse motion and acceleration becomes positive.

Determine correct option

The velocity of boat is increasing and acceleration is increasing for northward motion. The velocity of boat suddenly becomes zero at the starting of reverse motion and then increases with acceleration in negative direction for southward motion.

Therefore, the velocity of boat eventually becomes zero at the start of reverse motion, then speeding up in downward direction. So, option (c) is correct.