Final answer:
The question is a physics problem about calculating the resistive force opposing a car pulling a boat on a trailer, and the force in the hitch between them, given the total force exerted and acceleration. By applying Newton's second law, we find the resistive force and then calculate 80% of it to find the hitch force.
Step-by-step explanation:
Physics Problem on Forces and Motion
The question presented relates to the topic of physics, specifically the forces involved in towing and the resulting accelerations and resistances. Let's tackle the two parts (a) and (b) of the stated problem separately.
For part (a), we first need to use Newton's second law of motion which states that Force equals mass times acceleration (F = ma). The total mass of the car and trailer system is 1100 kg + 700 kg = 1800 kg. If the car exerts a 1900-N force and produces an acceleration of 0.550 m/s², the total resistive force can be found by rearranging the equation to solve for the resistive force (Fr): Fr = F - ma. Substituting the known values gives us Fr = 1900 N - (1800 kg * 0.550 m/s²), which results in a resistive force.
For part (b), we determine the force in the hitch between the car and the trailer. Since 80% of the resisting forces are experienced by the boat and trailer, we can simply calculate 80% of the resistive force (Fr) found in part (a) to find the force in the hitch (Fh). So Fh = 0.80 * Fr.
This analysis allows us to understand the dynamics of the system being described and calculate the required forces as per Newton's laws of motion.