Mathematics 9709 · AS & A Level · Forces and equilibrium
Forces and equilibrium — practice question
A van with mass $3600\,\text{kg}$ is pulling a trailer of mass $1200\,\text{kg}$ along a straight horizontal road by means of a light horizontal rope. The van experiences a resistance force of $700\,\text{N}$ and the trailer experiences a resistance force of $300\,\text{N}$.
(a)[4]
The driving force produced by the van is $2500\,\text{N}$. Determine the tension in the rope.
(b)[2]
The driving force is now taken away and the van driver uses a braking force that acts only on the van. The resistance forces do not change. Determine the smallest possible value of the braking force that will make the rope slack.
Worked solution & mark scheme
This 6-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: “Use Newton’s 2nd law for the van/trailer/system and write the correct equations” …