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A car has a mass of 1200 kg and an acceleration of 4 m/s^2. If the friction on the car is 200 N, how much force is the thrust providing?

User Ahei Cheng
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1 Answer

5 votes

Answer:

5000N

Step-by-step explanation:

According to Newton's second law of motion, the net force (∑F) acting on a body is the product of the mass (m) of the body and the acceleration (a) of the body caused by the force. i.e

∑F = m x a -------------(i)

From the question, the net force is the combined effect of the thrust (F) and the friction force (Fₓ). i.e

∑F = F + Fₓ -------------(ii)

Where;

Fₓ = -200N [negative sign because the friction force opposes motion]

Combine equations(i) and (ii) together to get;

F + Fₓ = m x a

F = ma - Fₓ -------------(iii)

Where;

m = mass of car = 1200kg

a = acceleration of the car = 4m/s²

Now substitute the values of m, a and Fₓ into equation (iii) as follows;

F = (1200 x 4) - (-200)

F = 4800 + 200

F = 5000N

Therefore, the force the thrust is providing is 5000N

User KSletmoe
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