An engine of mass pulls two identical wagons

PHYSICS · Single correct · A Level · Physics · Mechanics and materials · Mechanics and materials

Problem

An engine of mass

3\,000\,\text{kg}

pulls two identical wagons, each of mass

5\,000\,\text{kg}

, along a horizontal track. If the track offers a total frictional force of

1\,000\,\text{N}

against the motion and the required acceleration of the whole system is

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

, what horizontal force must the engine exert? (a)

26\,000\,\text{N}

(b)

25\,000\,\text{N}

(c)

27\,000\,\text{N}

(d)

29\,000\,\text{N}