- #31
AakashPandita
- 157
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but the net force is created by the engine...everywhere...so the acceleration due to net force should be the same everywhere...isn't it?
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Homework Help Overview
The discussion revolves around understanding forces in a train system, specifically focusing on the interaction between the engine and the wagons. The original poster presents a scenario involving a train with a specific mass and acceleration, seeking to determine the force exerted by one wagon on another.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking
Approaches and Questions Raised
- Participants explore the application of Newton's laws to the train system, questioning how to calculate the forces between the wagons and the engine. There are discussions about the forces acting on different parts of the train and the implications of Newton's third law.
Discussion Status
The discussion is ongoing, with participants raising questions about the relationships between forces and masses in the system. Some have provided insights into the equations needed for analysis, while others express confusion about specific aspects of the problem, indicating a productive exploration of the topic.
Contextual Notes
Participants are grappling with the complexities of force interactions in a multi-body system, including the need to consider different forces acting on the engine and wagons. There is an emphasis on understanding the implications of Newton's laws in this context.
- #32
Doc Al
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Yes, the acceleration is the same everywhere.AakashPandita said:
- #33
tiny-tim
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Aakash, F = ma and E - F = Ma …
does that mean anything to you? 
- #34
AakashPandita
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and the net force too?
- #35
Doc Al
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The 'thing' you set equal to 'ma' is always the net force.AakashPandita said:
For the four wagons, the net force is simply F (since that's the only force acting).
For the engine and wagon 1, the net force is E - F.
- #36
AakashPandita
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what is E over here?
- #37
tiny-tim
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AakashPandita said:
Aakash, what do you think it is?
Look at what Doc Al
and I have already said.What is it likely to be?
What sort of thing is it?
You have to do some work. 
- #38
AakashPandita
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- 0
Is E= mass of wagon2+3+4+5 x acceleration?
- #39
tiny-tim
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AakashPandita said:
Aakash, never mind (for the moment) what E is equal to.
The question was, what is E ?
(ie what are we talking about)
- #40
AakashPandita
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the net force on the engine+wagon1
- #41
tiny-tim
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AakashPandita said:
Aakashm, are you reading what we have been saying? …
Doc Al said:
Again, what do you think E is?
- #42
AakashPandita
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- 0
the force exerted by the engine?
- #43
Doc Al
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Once again, the forces on 'engine + wagon 1' are:AakashPandita said:
E = the force of the tracks on the engine (which acts in the forward direction)
F = the force from wagon 2 (which acts towards the rear)
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