How to Find the Final Speed of an Experimental Train?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the work done on an experimental train with a mass of 22,500 kg, powered by a jet engine producing a thrust of 4.63 × 105 N over a distance of 533 m. The correct approach to find the work is to use the formula for work, which is the product of force and displacement. Participants clarified that dividing force by mass yields acceleration, not work, and emphasized the importance of understanding the definition of work in physics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's Second Law of Motion
  • Familiarity with the concept of work in physics
  • Basic knowledge of kinematics
  • Ability to perform calculations involving force and displacement
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the definition and formula for work in physics
  • Learn about Newton's Second Law and its applications
  • Explore kinematic equations for calculating final velocity
  • Investigate the relationship between work, energy, and power
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, educators teaching mechanics, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of work and energy in motion.

xlogit3k
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Homework Statement



In the 1950’s, an experimental train that had
a mass of 22500 kg was powered across a level
track by a jet engine that produced a thrust
of 4.63 × 105 N for a distance of 533 m.
Find the work done on the train.
Answer in units of J.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



My attempted solution was to divide the force by the mass but this didnt work.
 
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xlogit3k said:
My attempted solution was to divide the force by the mass but this didnt work.
Dividing the force by the mass gives you the acceleration, not the work.

Knowing the acceleration, you could use kinematics to find the final velocity and then calculate kinetic energy. But there is a much easier way.

What is the very definition of work? (Hint: it's a function of force and displacement. :wink:)
 
collinsmark said:
Dividing the force by the mass gives you the acceleration, not the work.

Knowing the acceleration, you could use kinematics to find the final velocity and then calculate kinetic energy. But there is a much easier way.

What is the very definition of work? (Hint: it's a function of force and displacement. :wink:)

force x distance right?
 
xlogit3k said:
force x distance right?
That's right (well, technically the dot product of force and displacement). And the both force and displacement are given in the problem statement.
 

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