How Do You Calculate the Force a Tractor Exerts on a Trailer on an Incline?

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To calculate the force a tractor exerts on a trailer on a 16-degree incline, the weight of the trailer (3900 kg) must be considered along with the incline angle. The force required to maintain a steady speed of 3.0 m/s is equal to the component of the trailer's weight acting down the slope, calculated using the formula (W)(sin 16 degrees). Since the trailer is not accelerating, no additional force is needed beyond overcoming this gravitational component. Therefore, the calculation aligns with the correct answer provided in the textbook. Understanding the balance of forces is crucial in this scenario.
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The problem states that a 3900kg trailer is pulled by a tractor up a 16 degree incline with a steady speed of 3.0m\s.

I am asked what force the tractor exerts on the trailer.

I said that the force was equal to the (W)(sin)16degrees, i get the right answer in the back of the book but i think its a coincidence...any help on this one would be much appreciated
 
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me again! Your answer is right. Because you're not accelerating the trailer up the incline, there is no additional force required. All you need to do to maintain the speed of 3ms-1 is to overcome the backward force down the slope.
 

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