A locomotive of mass pulls a train up a straight track inclined at to the horizontal
PHYSICS · Multi-part · A Level · Physics · Mechanics and materials · Mechanics and materials
Problem
A locomotive of mass 2.0×105kg pulls a train up a straight track inclined at 4∘ to the horizontal. Throughout a 40s interval the train accelerates uniformly from 10ms−1 to 20ms−1. A resistive force equal to 1.5% of the weight of the train acts opposite to the motion during this interval. Assume that the locomotive delivers constant power during the 40s.
(i) Calculate the magnitude of the acceleration of the train.
(ii) Determine the net tractive force required to produce this acceleration.
(iii) Find the total tractive force that the locomotive must exert, taking into account both the component of weight along the incline and the given resistive force.
(iv) Hence compute the constant power output of the locomotive during the stated interval.