Acceleration of Car and Trailer

What is the net force on the car?

(a) Determine the net force on the car.

Net Force on the Car

The net force on the car is equal to 661.5 N.

When analyzing the scenario of a 1,200-kg car pulling a 315-kg trailer with an acceleration of 2.10 m/s2 in the positive x-direction, we are tasked to determine the net force acting on the car. Considering the trailer's weight is entirely supported by its own tires and neglecting frictional forces on the trailer, we can focus on the forces acting on the car itself.

To calculate the net force on the car, we utilize the formula:
Net Force = Mass x Acceleration

Substituting the given values into the equation:
Net Force = 315 kg x 2.10 m/s^2 = 661.5 N

Therefore, the net force acting on the car is 661.5 N. This indicates the overall force required for the car to accelerate along the positive x-direction with the combined mass of the car and the trailer.

It's essential to understand the dynamics of forces at play in such scenarios to comprehend the motion and acceleration of objects. By calculating the net force, we can gain insight into the physical principles governing the movement of the car and trailer system. Have a nice day!