Mathematics 9709 · AS & A Level · Forces and equilibrium

Forces and equilibrium — practice question

A car with mass $1500\,\text{kg}$ is pulling a trailer of mass $m\,\text{kg}$ on a level straight road. The car and trailer are joined by a tow-bar that is horizontal, light and rigid. A resistance force of $F\,\text{N}$ acts on the car and a resistance force of $200\,\text{N}$ acts on the trailer. The engine of the car provides a driving force of $3200\,\text{N}$, the car accelerates at $1.25\,\text{m s}^{-2}$ and the tension in the tow-bar is $300\,\text{N}$.
(main)[4]

Determine the value of $m$ and the value of $F$.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 4-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: An attempt is made to apply Newton’s second law

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