Solving for Normal Force between two objects

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The discussion revolves around calculating the normal force between two cars and the time to reach a repair shop after one car breaks down. The normal force was initially calculated using the equation Fn=-mg, leading to an incorrect value of 11760N, while the correct normal force is actually 50N. The time to reach the repair shop was calculated using the formula d=vt, resulting in an incorrect time of 5 seconds, while the correct time is 830 seconds. Participants clarify that gravitational acceleration (g) is not directly relevant to the normal force between the bumpers in this scenario. The conversation emphasizes the importance of correctly applying physics principles to solve the problem.
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Homework Statement


Your friend's car broke down. You push it to a repair shop 2.0 km away. You gently put your car's bumper against the broken car's bumper and accelerate to a speed of 2.5 m/s over the course of 1 min. If the broken car's mass is 1200 kg, what is the normal force between the two bumpers? And, If you maintain a speed of 2.5 what is the total time it takes to reach the repair shop?

Homework Equations



Fn=-mg and D=vt

The Attempt at a Solution

For the first answer I used the equation Fn=-mg to find the normal force. I got 11760N. For the second I used d=vt and got 5 seconds. The answer is 50N and 830 seconds. What am I missing??
 
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What does g have to do with the normal force between the bumpers?
 

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