**(a) Vector Diagram and Resultant Force** * **Scale:** Let's choose a scale of 1 cm representing 10 N for the vector diagram. * **Vector Diagram:** [asy] unitsize(1 cm); pair A, B, C, O; A = (2,0); B = dir(120); C = A + B; O = (0,0); draw(O--A,Arrow(6)); draw(O--B,Arrow(6)); draw(O--C,Arrow(6)); draw(A--C--B); label("\(T\)", (O + A)/2, S); label("\(T\)", (O + B)/2, NW); label("Resultant Force", (O + C)/2, NE); [/asy] The vector diagram shows two force vectors, each representing a tension of 75 N, originating from the same point and separated by a 120-degree angle. The diagonal of the parallelogram formed by these vectors represents the resultant force. * **Magnitude of Resultant Force:** Using the scale, each tension vector would be 7.5 cm long. Since the tension forces are equal and separated by 120 degrees, the resultant force bisects the angle and forms an equilateral triangle with the two tension force vectors. Therefore, the magnitude of the resultant force is also **75 N**, which would be represented by a 7.5 cm long vector in the diagram. * **Direction of Resultant Force:** The resultant force acts **vertically upwards**, directly opposing the weight of the boat.