Question

A steam engine of mass 3 x 10^4kg accelerates two wagons each of mass 2 x 10^4 kg through
0.2 m/s^2. Neglecting frictional forces, calculate (i) the force exerted by the engine, and (ii) the
force experienced by the each wagon.​

Answer 1

Answer:

solution

Explanation:

Mass of the engine engine, m₁ = 3 × 10⁴ kg

Mass of each wagon, m₂ = 2 × 10⁴ kg

Acceleration, a = 0.2 m/s²

To Calculate :-

Force exerted by the engine

Force experienced by each wagon

Formula to be used :-

F = ma

When  force exerted by the engine is to be calculated,

m = m₁ + 2m₂

(Total mass (m) = mass of the engine + mass of two wagons)

F = ma

= [(3 × 10⁴) + 2(2 × 10⁴)] × 0.2

= (3 × 10⁴ + 4 × 10⁴ × 0.2

F = 1.4 × N

In the second case, we will only take the mass of one wagon.

F = ma

= 2 × 10⁴ × 0.2

F = 0.4 × 10⁴ N.