Calculating Force Exerted by 1000kg Car on 450kg Trailer

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Homework Help Overview

The problem context involves a 1000kg car pulling a 450kg trailer, with a focus on calculating the force exerted by the car on the trailer while considering frictional forces. The scenario includes a specified horizontal force exerted by the car and a friction coefficient for the trailer.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss whether to add or subtract the frictional force from the car's exerted force. Questions arise regarding the logic behind these calculations and the role of friction in the context of the problem.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes attempts to analyze the forces involved, with some participants expressing confusion about the reasoning behind certain approaches. There is an indication of productive engagement, as one participant claims to have figured out the initial problem and introduces a new question related to a different scenario involving skid marks and friction.

Contextual Notes

Participants are operating under the assumption that the friction coefficient is relevant to the calculations, and there is a mention of a new problem that shifts focus to a different aspect of physics involving motion and friction.

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The problem is, a 1000kg car pulls a 450kg trailer. The car exerts a horizontal force of 3500N against the ground in order to accelerate. What force does the car exert on the trailer? Assume a friction coefficient of 0.15 for the trailer.
 
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dabouncerx24 said:
The problem is, a 1000kg car pulls a 450kg trailer. The car exerts a horizontal force of 3500N against the ground in order to accelerate. What force does the car exert on the trailer? Assume a friction coefficient of 0.15 for the trailer.

You need to either add the frictional force to the 3500N or subtract it. The frictional force equals (0.15)(mg) or (0.15)(450)(9.81).
 
I don't get why adding the friction force to 3500N is logical? Can you please explain it to me.
 
Do the forces analysis...
 
Well I figured out that problem.

Here is another one, please assist me.

At an accident scene on a level road, investigators measure a car;s skid mark to be 88m long. It was a rainy day and the coefficient of friction was estimated to be 0.42. Use these dta to determine the speed of the car when the driver slammed on the brakes (why does the car's mass not matter).

So far I figured I would use Fd=KE-KE' so all the ms will cancel each other.
 

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