Final answer:
Part A- The speed of the truck after 20 seconds is 0.04 m/s. Part B- The tension in the coupling between the SUV and the trailer is 5 kN.
Step-by-step explanation:
Part A- To determine the speed of the truck in 20 seconds, we can use the equation:
Speed = Initial Speed + (Acceleration x Time)
The initial speed is 0 since the truck starts from rest. The acceleration can be calculated using Newton's second law:
Force = Mass x Acceleration
Since the traction force developed at the wheels is 5 kN, we can convert it to Newtons (1 kN = 1000 N):
Force = 5 kN x 1000 N/kN = 5000 N
The mass of the truck is 2.5 Mg (1 Mg = 1000 kg), so:
5000 N = 2.5 Mg x Acceleration
Solving for acceleration:
Acceleration = 5000 N / (2.5 Mg) = 5000 N / (2.5 x 10^6 kg) = 0.002 m/s^2
Now we can plug this acceleration into the speed equation:
Speed = 0 + (0.002 m/s^2 x 20 s) = 0.04 m/s
Therefore, the speed of the truck after 20 seconds is 0.04 m/s.
Part B- To determine the tension developed in the coupling between the SUV and the trailer, we can use Newton's third law:
Force (SUV on trailer) = Force (trailer on SUV)
Since the traction force developed at the wheels is 5 kN, the force exerted by the SUV on the trailer is 5 kN. Therefore, the tension in the coupling between the SUV and the trailer is 5 kN.