Question #3fd94

1 Answer
Matt
Apr 30, 2016

1036N,1036N and 2590N

Explanation:

The trailer is accelerated at 1.85ms^-2. Hence the force exerted on it, by Newton's 2nd law, is given by:
F=ma=560*1.85=1036N

Newton's 3rd law tells us that if the car exerts a force on the trailer, then the trailer exerts an equal an opposite force on the car. So the answer is 1036N

The caravan and car are both accelerating at the same rate. So the engine must be providing a force given by:
F=ma=(1400+560)*1.85=3626N

The net force on the car must therefore be:
Force provide by engine less force exerted by trailer =3626N-1036N =2590N

Or you could just say the car is accelerating and therefore the net force must be:
F=ma= 1400*1.85 =2590N

i.e. you get to the same answer

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