Final answer:
The average force exerted by the engine to maintain a constant speed of 31 m/s on the highway, given a power output of 30 kW, is approximately 967.74 newtons.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the average force that the engine exerts to maintain a constant speed, we use the formula for power, which relates force, velocity, and power:
Power = Force × Velocity
Given that the power is 30 kW (or 30,000 W) and the velocity is 31 m/s, we can rearrange the formula to solve for force:
Force = Power / Velocity
Force = 30,000 W / 31 m/s
Force = 967.74 N (approximately)
The engine therefore exerts an average force of approximately 967.74 newtons to maintain the constant speed of 31 m/s on the highway.