A research trolley of mass is connected to two instrument wagons of masses and…

PHYSICS · Subjective · A Level · Physics · Mechanics and materials · Mechanics and materials

Problem

A research trolley of mass

1.2\times10^{3}\,\text{kg}

is connected to two instrument wagons of masses

6.0\times10^{2}\,\text{kg}

and

4.0\times10^{2}\,\text{kg}

respectively. The three vehicles move together on a straight horizontal test track. During a trial run the trolley’s propulsion system delivers a constant forward force

F

while the total horizontal resistive force acting on the whole system is measured as

3.0\times10^{3}\,\text{N}

. The resulting acceleration of the train is found to be

1.5\,\text{m\,s}^{-2}

. (a) Write an expression for the net horizontal force acting on the system in terms of

F

. (b) Using the measured acceleration, derive an equation to obtain the value of

F

. (c) Calculate the magnitude of the propulsion force

F

. (d) Engineers intend to add an extra wagon of mass

8.0\times10^{2}\,\text{kg}

while keeping the same propulsion force

F

and with the resistive force unchanged. Compute the new acceleration that would result, showing all steps clearly.

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