An 900 kg purple pickup truck tows a small 200 kg trailer using a relatively lig

Question

An 900 kg purple pickup truck tows a small 200 kg trailer using a relatively lightweight tow rope. The position of the trailer is given in m and time is in s. a) What is the magnitude of the net force on the entire system (truck and trailer)? b) Which is greater, the force of the truck on the trailer or the force of the trailer on the truck? c) What force on the truck is in the direction of the acceleration of the truck and makes the largest contribution to the net force on the truck? d) What is magnitude of the net force on the trailer? e) What is the magnitude of the net force on the truck?

Explanation / Answer

a) The net force on the whole system can be calculated from the total mass and acceleration(F = ma). If the truck/trailer is moving at a constant velocity, then there is no net force.
b) Newton's Third Law: If body A exerts a force F on body B, then body B exerts a force of -F on body A
c) Process of elimination - the tow rope is pulling in the opposite direction, so not that one. If the exhaust were the major factor, cars wouldn't be able to reverse, so not that one either.
d) Like a), F = ma
e) see d)
f) Newton's First Law. No force, thus no acceleration. Velocity remains constant

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