Two identical lightweight sleds, Sled X and Sled Y
PHYSICS · Multi-part · A Level · Physics · Mechanics and materials · Mechanics and materials
Problem
Two identical lightweight sleds, Sled X and Sled Y, each having a mass of 4.0 kg, are pulled across two different frozen lakes by the same motorized winch. The winch keeps the tension in the tow rope at a constant 10 N. On Lake X the ice is nearly frictionless. On Lake Y the surface is rougher and the coefficient of kinetic friction between the sled and ice is 0.10. Air resistance is negligible. At the moment shown the sleds are both just beginning to move from rest.
(a) For each sled, draw and label a free-body diagram showing all forces acting on the sled while it is being pulled.
(b) Determine the magnitude of the net horizontal force acting on each sled.
(c) Calculate the magnitude of the acceleration of each sled.
(d) After 3.0 s of being pulled, which sled has traveled the greater distance from its starting point? Support your answer with quantitative reasoning.