Objects connected, what is the force of one exerted on another

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the forces exerted between cars in a train accelerating at 1.1 m/s², where each car has a mass of 38,000 kg. The key equations used are Newton's second law, F=ma, to determine the force of the engine on the first car and the subsequent forces between each car. It is established that the force exerted on each car depends on the total mass of the cars behind it, necessitating the consideration of all preceding cars in the calculations. The importance of correctly isolating the object of interest for force analysis is emphasized.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's second law (F=ma)
  • Basic knowledge of free body diagrams
  • Concept of net force in a system
  • Ability to isolate objects for force analysis
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the dynamics of connected objects in motion
  • Learn how to draw and interpret free body diagrams for multiple objects
  • Explore the concept of tension in connected systems
  • Investigate the effects of friction on force calculations in mechanical systems
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Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics, as well as educators seeking to enhance their understanding of force interactions in connected systems.

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Homework Statement



A short train (engine + 4 cars) is accelerating at 1.1 m/s^2. if the mass of each car is 38000Kg, and if each car has negligible frictional forces acting on it, what are a) the force of the engine on the first car, b) force of the first car on the second car. and so on.
Note the importance of selecting the correct set of cars to isolate as your object.


Homework Equations



F=ma


The Attempt at a Solution



I've drawn a picture of the whole train traveling in the +x direction, and I've drawn the free body diagrams of each individual car with standard coordinate system, Normal and weight forces acting in the y directions, and the acceleration acting in the +x direction.
I know that there is no net force in any y direction. The only net force is the acceleration in x direction.
I'm probably making it too hard, but is it just plug in the mass of the car and the acceleration? does it make no difference where in the line up the car is, the force acted on each car by the car in front of it is the same for each one, right?
 
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Hm... I'm not quite sure, but I'm pretty sure that you need to take into account the car in question as well as every car before it. Because if you're looking for, say, the force on car 3 exerted by car 2... Well, car 2 is being acted on by both the engine and car 1, so the force accumulates. I think you need to use the mass of the entire train from the engine back to the car in question.
 
okay. ^.^
 

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