A tractor T is pulling two trailers,M₁ and M₂,with a constant acceleration.T has a mass of 200 kg,M₁ has a mass of 100 kg,and M₂ has a mass of 150 kg.If the forward acceleration is 0.60 m/s²,then the horizontal force on the tractor due to the ground is A) 270 N backward. B) 270 N forward. C) 150 N backward. D) 150 N forward. E) 90 N forward.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To find the horizontal force on the tractor, we need to first calculate the total mass of the system, which is:

m_total = m_tractor + m_trailer1 + m_trailer2
m_total = 200 kg + 100 kg + 150 kg
m_total = 450 kg

Next, we can use Newton's second law, F = ma, to find the total force required to accelerate the system:

F_total = m_total * a
F_total = 450 kg * 0.60 m/s^2
F_total = 270 N

The force acting on the system is in the forward direction, so the horizontal force on the tractor due to the ground is also in the forward direction. Therefore the best choice is B) 270 N forward.

A Tractor T Is Pulling Two Trailers,M1 and M2,with a Constant

A Tractor T Is Pulling Two Trailers,M₁ and M₂,with a Constant