A test vehicle of mass moves along a straight

PHYSICS · Multi-part · A Level · Physics · Mechanics and materials · Mechanics and materials

Problem

A test vehicle of mass

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

moves along a straight, level track. Its engine produces a constant forward thrust of

4.0\,\text{kN}

, while air resistance exerts a constant backward force of

1.6\,\text{kN}

. The vehicle starts from rest and travels

2.80\times10^{2}\,\text{m}

under these forces. (1) Part 1: (a) Determine the magnitude of the vehicle’s constant acceleration. (2) Part 2: (b) Calculate the vehicle’s speed after it has traveled

2.80\times10^{2}\,\text{m}

. (3) Part 3: (c) Find the magnitude of the impulse delivered by the engine thrust during this portion of the motion. (4) Part 4: (d) Compute the magnitude of the impulse delivered by the air resistance during the same interval and hence determine the net impulse acting on the vehicle. (5) Part 5: (e) Verify that the net impulse you obtained equals the change in the vehicle’s momentum and discuss any discrepancies that might arise from rounding.

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