Solving for Normal Force between two objects

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the normal force between two bumpers when one car is pushed against another. The correct normal force is determined using the equation Fn = -mg, where m is the mass of the broken car (1200 kg) and g is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.81 m/s²), resulting in a normal force of 11760 N. Additionally, the time to reach the repair shop at a constant speed of 2.5 m/s over a distance of 2.0 km is calculated using the formula D = vt, yielding a total time of 800 seconds, not 830 seconds as initially stated.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Familiarity with the concepts of force and mass
  • Knowledge of basic kinematic equations
  • Grasp of gravitational acceleration (g ≈ 9.81 m/s²)
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the application of Newton's second law in real-world scenarios
  • Study the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration
  • Learn about kinematic equations and their applications in physics problems
  • Explore the concept of normal force in different contexts, such as inclined planes
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics, as well as educators looking for practical examples of force calculations in real-life situations.

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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??
 
Last edited:
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What does g have to do with the normal force between the bumpers?
 

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