A toy boat of mass 1.5 kg is pushed across a pond, starting from rest, for 2.5 seconds.

During this time, the boat has an acceleration of 2 m s^−2 . Subsequently, when the only horizontal force acting on the boat is a constant resistance to motion, the boat travels 10 m before coming to rest. Calculate the magnitude of the resistance to motion. 

A toy boat with a mass of 1.5 kg is set in motion across a pond, beginning from a stationary position and continuing for a duration of 2.5 seconds. Throughout this interval, the boat experiences a uniform acceleration of 2 m/s². After this initial phase, the only horizontal force acting on the boat is a consistent resistance to its motion, which ultimately leads to the boat traveling a distance of 10 meters before it comes to a complete stop.

To determine the magnitude of the resistance to motion, it is essential to first calculate the final velocity of the boat at the end of the 2.5 seconds of acceleration. Utilizing the equation of motion, the final velocity can be derived from the initial velocity, acceleration, and time. Given that the initial velocity is zero, the final velocity can be expressed as the product of acceleration and time, resulting in a final velocity of 5 m/s. This velocity is crucial for understanding the subsequent motion of the boat as it encounters resistance.

Once the boat begins to decelerate due to the resistance, it travels 10 meters before halting. By applying the equations of motion again, one can ascertain the deceleration caused by the resistance. The resistance can then be calculated by equating the force due to resistance with the mass of the boat multiplied by the deceleration. This problem exemplifies the type of analytical thinking and problem-solving skills that are often honed in an A Level Maths Revision Course, where students learn to apply mathematical principles to real-world scenarios.