AQA M1 2011 January — Question 3

Exam BoardAQA
ModuleM1 (Mechanics 1)
Year2011
SessionJanuary
TopicPulley systems

3 A car, of mass 1200 kg , tows a caravan, of mass 1000 kg , along a straight horizontal road. The caravan is attached to the car by a horizontal tow bar, as shown in the diagram.
\includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{f30b02da-a41e-44cb-b45f-9e6a3a9d0528-06_277_901_484_584} Assume that a constant resistance force of magnitude 200 newtons acts on the car and a constant resistance force of magnitude 300 newtons acts on the caravan. A constant driving force of magnitude \(P\) newtons acts on the car in the direction of motion. The car and caravan accelerate at \(0.8 \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 2 }\).
    1. Find \(P\).
    2. Find the magnitude of the force in the tow bar that connects the car to the caravan.
    1. Find the time that it takes for the speed of the car and caravan to increase from \(7 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) to \(15 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\).
    2. Find the distance that they travel in this time.
  1. Explain why the assumption that the resistance forces are constant is unrealistic.
    (1 mark)