What force does the trailer exert on the car?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the force exerted by a trailer on a car during acceleration. A 1500 kg car pulls a 540 kg trailer with an acceleration of 2.00 m/s², leading to a calculated force of 1.08 kN for the car and 3.0 kN for the trailer. The correct approach involves applying Newton's 3rd law, which states that the forces are equal and opposite. The user initially miscalculated but later confirmed their understanding. The conversation highlights the challenges faced in grasping Newton's laws in physics.
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ugh I've got problems with Newton again. >.<

On vacation, your 1500 kg car pulls a 540 kg trailer away from a stop light with an acceleration of 2.00 m/s^2.
What force does the trailer exert on the car?

F=ma so: Force of car is 1.08 kN and Force of trailer is 3.0 kN. I thought it would be 1.08-3.0 but I was wrong. What do I need to do?
 
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You need to invoke Newton's 3rd law: the law of equal and opposite action-reaction pairs.
 
Got it. Thanks. 1.08 kN. I acually got it the first time, only typed it in wrong. omg this class is going to kill me. I'm sure to have another question with in the next 3 minutes...
 
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