Get Updates
Subscribe to receive instant notifications for new study materials and important updates.
A 8000 kg engine pulls a train of 5 wagons, each of 2000 kg, a... - Science
A 8000 kg engine pulls a train of 5 wagons, each of 2000 kg, along a horizontal track. If the engine exerts a force of 40000 N and the track offers a friction force of 5000 N, then calculate:
(a) the net accelerating force and
(b) the acceleration of the train.
(a) The net accelerating force is the difference between the force exerted by the engine and the friction force.
Net accelerating force = 40000 N - 5000 N = 35000 N
(b) To calculate the acceleration, we first need the total mass of the train.
Mass of engine = 8000 kg
Mass of 5 wagons = 5 x 2000 kg = 10000 kg
Total mass = 8000 kg + 10000 kg = 18000 kg
Now, using Newton's second law (F = ma):
Acceleration (a) = Net accelerating force (F) / Total mass (m)
a = 35000 N / 18000 kg ≈ 1.94 m/s²