While practising for the snake boat race (Vallum kalli in Kerala), 100 oarsmen are rowing a boat together. Out of these, 95 row backwards to propel the boat forward. But by mistake, 5 oarsmen row in the opposite direction. If each oarsman applies a horizontal force of 200 N, what is the net force on the snake boat? (Ignore drag forces, air friction, etc.)

Number of oarsmen rowing in the forward direction = 95

Force applied by each oarsman = 200 N

Total forward force:

$$95 \times 200 = 19000 \text{ N}$$

Number of oarsmen rowing in the opposite direction = 5

Total backward force:

$$5 \times 200 = 1000 \text{ N}$$

Therefore, the net force acting on the snake boat is,

$$19000 - 1000 = 18000 \text{ N}$$

Hence, the net force on the snake boat is 18000 N in the forward direction.