Finding the magnitude of force given acceleration?

AI Thread Summary
To find the force exerted by the locomotive on the caboose, the relevant equation is f = m*a + friction. Given that the caboose has a mass of 1.3 kg and is accelerating at 3.1 m/s², the calculation should include the frictional force of 0.46 N acting backward. The correct formula is f = 1.3 * 3.1 + 0.46, which simplifies to 4.03 + 0.46, resulting in a total force of 4.49 N. This approach clarifies that the mass of the locomotive does not factor into the force calculation for the caboose. Understanding the relationship between mass, acceleration, and friction is key to solving this problem.
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A 2.4 kg toy locomotive is pulling a 1.3 kg caboose. The frictional force of the track on the caboose is 0.46 N backward along the track. If the train is accelerating forward at 3.1 m/s2, what is the magnitude of the force exerted by the locomotive on the caboose




Tried doing 3.7(3.1)+.46=11.93
which equals 12 after sig figs, but it is wrong and I am very confused

Please help, thanks a lot
 
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Welcome to PF.

The force on the caboose from the locomotive won't involve the mass of the locomotive.

If the caboose is being accelerated then f = 1.3*a + .46 should be the way to find it.
 
Alright thanks a lot
Appreciate it
 

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