AQA M1 2013 January — Question 4

Exam BoardAQA
ModuleM1 (Mechanics 1)
Year2013
SessionJanuary
TopicPulley systems

4 A tractor, of mass 3500 kg , is used to tow a trailer, of mass 2400 kg , across a horizontal field. The trailer is connected to the tractor by a horizontal tow bar. As they move, a constant resistance force of 800 newtons acts on the trailer and a constant resistance force of \(R\) newtons acts on the tractor. A forward driving force of 2500 newtons acts on the tractor. The trailer and tractor accelerate at \(0.2 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 2 }\).
  1. \(\quad\) Find \(R\).
  2. Find the magnitude of the force that the tow bar exerts on the trailer.
  3. State the magnitude of the force that the tow bar exerts on the tractor.