Car and Trailer Acceleration Challenge

What is the net force acting on the car and trailer?

a) 2352 N

b) 609 N

Is the force applied by the car on the trailer the same as the force applied by the trailer on the car?

Choose the correct option.

c) Yes

Answer:

Part a)

Net force on the car is 2352 N.

Part b)

Net force on the trailer is 609 N.

Part c)

Yes, the force applied by the car on the trailer is equal to the force applied by the trailer on the car.

Explanation:

When a 1,120-kg car is pulling a 290-kg trailer with an acceleration of 2.10 m/s2 in the positive x-direction, we can calculate the net force acting on both the car and the trailer.

In part a), the net force on the car is calculated using the formula F = ma, where the mass of the car is 1120 kg and the acceleration is 2.10 m/s2. Substituting the values, we get F = 1120 * 2.10 = 2352 N.

In part b), the net force on the trailer is calculated in a similar way. Using the formula F = ma, with the mass of the trailer being 290 kg and the acceleration 2.10 m/s2, we find F = 290 * 2.10 = 609 N.

Finally, in part c), as per Newton's third law of motion, the force applied by the car on the trailer is equal in magnitude to the force applied by the trailer on the car. This implies a balanced interaction between the car and the trailer, leading to a cohesive acceleration in the positive x-direction.

Therefore, the net forces and the mutual forces between the car and the trailer play a crucial role in determining their combined acceleration and movement.