Calculating tension in a rope on a sled

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the tension in a rope used to pull an 82 kg sled being accelerated by a snowmobile. The sled accelerates at 2.0 m/s² for 6.0 seconds, with a friction force of 120 N acting backwards. The net force on the sled is determined using the equation F = ma, leading to a calculated tension of 116.4 N in the rope after accounting for the opposing forces from the snowmobile and friction.

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Homework Statement



A 82 kg sled is pulled forward from rest by a snowmobile and accelerates at 2.0 m/s2 [forward] for 6.0 s. The force of friction acting on the sled is 120 N [backwards]. The total mass of the snowmobile and driver is 460 kg. The drag force acting on the snowmobile is 540 N [backwards]

(a) Determine the tension in the rope.
(b) Calculate the force exerted by the snowmobile that pushes the sled forward.


Homework Equations


T= M X G


The Attempt at a Solution


T=MG
T=(82)(9.8)-(460)(2)
T=803.6 N-920 N
=116.4N
 
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If the sled is 82kg and accelerates forward at 2\frac{m}{s^2} then what must be the net force on the sled?

What forces contribute to that net force?
 
PHYSIC NEWBEE said:

Homework Statement



A 82 kg sled is pulled forward from rest by a snowmobile and accelerates at 2.0 m/s2 [forward] for 6.0 s. The force of friction acting on the sled is 120 N [backwards]. The total mass of the snowmobile and driver is 460 kg. The drag force acting on the snowmobile is 540 N [backwards]

(a) Determine the tension in the rope.
(b) Calculate the force exerted by the snowmobile that pushes the sled forward.


Homework Equations


T= M X G
That is not generally true. What is true is that ##F = ma##, that is, the net force equals the mass times the acceleration. The acceleration of the sled in this problem is not due to gravity., but due to the tension in the rope. Gravity does play a part, but only in determining the frictional forces.
 

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