A sailboat accelerates from rest to a speed of 2 m/s east. Discuss direction and relative strength of the forces on the boat

The direction of the force is towards the east.

The relative strength of the force acting on the boat is proportional to the acceleration acting on the boat.

Explanation:

Given data,

The initial velocity of the sailboat, u = 0 m/s

The final velocity of the sailboat, v = 2 m/s

Let, the time period of the sailboat to reach 2 m/s is, t = 4 s

The acceleration of the sailboat is given by the formula,

a = (v-u) / t

a = (2 - 0) / 4

a = 0.5 m/s²

The direction of the force is towards the east.

The relative strength of the force acting on the boat is proportional to the acceleration acting on the boat.