Question

A tram of 800kg takes 6 seconds to stop after travelling at a constant speed of 18m/s. Calculate the deceleration and the force needed to be applied by the brakes to stop the tram.

Answer 1

-3m/s²

2400N

Step-by-step explanation:

Given parameters:

Mass of tram = 800kg

Time taken = 6s

Constant speed = 18m/s

Unknown:

deceleration = ?

force on brake = ?

Solution:

Deceleration is the opposite of acceleration. This is the rate of change of velocity with time;

Deceleration =
`(V - U)/(t)`

V is the final velocity = 0m/s

U is the initial velocity = 18m/s

t is the time taken

Deceleration =
`(0-18)/(6)` = -3m/s²

Force needed to to stop the tram;

Force = mass x acceleration

Insert parameters and solve;

Force = 800 x 3 = 2400N