Acceleration of a Truck with a Broken Chain: Finding the Resultant Force

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a truck with a mass of 3000kg dragging a log of 500kg at a constant speed of 10m/s. The frictional force acting on the log is 1000N, and the scenario changes when the chain connecting the truck to the log breaks. The focus is on determining the acceleration of the truck after the chain breaks.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the missing information regarding the force acting on the truck after the chain breaks. There are attempts to clarify the implications of constant speed on net force and friction. Questions arise about the forces acting on both the truck and the log, and the need for free body diagrams is suggested.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring the implications of constant speed on net forces and questioning the roles of different forces in the system. Some guidance has been offered regarding the need to analyze forces before the chain breaks, but no consensus has been reached on the next steps.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the problem may lack certain details necessary for a complete analysis, particularly regarding the forces acting on the truck after the chain breaks. The discussion reflects a focus on understanding the setup and assumptions rather than moving towards a solution.

Thegiver431
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Homework Statement


A 3000kg truck uses a chain to drag a 500kg log down a road at a constant speed of 10m/s. The friction between the ground and the log is 1000N. If the chain suddenly breaks, what is the acceleration of the truck?[/B]

Homework Equations


a=F/m[/B]

The Attempt at a Solution


I was plugging it in and i noticed that there it is not given for the force and i don't how to find the force to do the above equation. I really need help.[/B]
 
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Thegiver431 said:
friction between the ground and the log is 1000N. If the chain suddenly breaks
Step 1: read the problem statement. Step 2: if it appears there's something missing, reread the problem statement.
 
Bystander said:
Step 1: read the problem statement. Step 2: if it appears there's something missing, reread the problem statement.
Yes but In general I don't get it, it would be helpful if i can have some help :)
 
There is a force of 1kN on the chain. What parts of the system is that force acting upon?
 
hmmm.. ok
 
Thegiver431 said:
hmmm.. ok
Before the chain broke, the truck and log was maintaining a steady speed. What does that tell you about what the engine is doing?
 
could we say that the net force is only the frictional force since the speed of the truck is constant ?
 
Maged Saeed said:
could we say that the net force is only the frictional force since the speed of the truck is constant ?
No. If the velocity is constant then the net force is ... ?
 
Have you drawn separate free body diagrams on the log and on the truck to understand the situation prior to the chain breaking. What forces were acting on the log at that time? What forces were acting on the truck at that time?

Chet
 
  • #10
haruspex said:
No. then the net force is ... ?
Oh,, the net force is zero , here .
 
  • #11
Maged Saeed said:
Oh,, the net force is zero , here .
Right. And that zero net force is the resultant of what horizontal forces?
 

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