Finding the magnitude of force given acceleration?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the force exerted by a locomotive on a caboose, given specific parameters. The caboose has a mass of 1.3 kg and experiences a frictional force of 0.46 N opposing its motion. With an acceleration of 3.1 m/s², the correct formula to determine the force is F = 1.3 * 3.1 + 0.46, resulting in a total force of 4.36 N. The initial confusion stemmed from incorrectly incorporating the mass of the locomotive into the calculation.

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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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