Question

In tests on earth a lunar surface exploration vehicle (mass = 5.86 × 103 kg) achieves a forward acceleration of 0.225 m/s2. To achieve this same acceleration on the moon, the vehicle's engines must produce a drive force of 1.42 × 103 N. What is the magnitude of the frictional force that acts on the vehicle on the moon?

Answer 1

`f=101.5N`

Step-by-step explanation:

The frictional force opposes the relative motion between the vehicle and the lunar surface. Thus, its sign is contrary to the drive force. According to Newton's second law:

`\sum F=ma\\\sum F=F_d-f\\ma=F_d-f`

Rewriting for f:

`f=F-ma\\f=1.42*10^3N-(5.86*10^3kg)(0.225(m)/(s^2))\\f=101.5N`