Multiple particles with intermediate connections

8 Two trucks, \(S\) and \(T\), of masses 8000 kg and 10000 kg respectively, are pulled along a straight, horizontal track by a constant, horizontal force of \(P\) N. A resistive force of 600 N acts on \(S\) and a resistive force of 450 N acts on \(T\). The coupling between the trucks is light and horizontal (see diagram). \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{b18b1bc5-bf26-4161-b5a5-764b00e97bea-5_215_1095_427_479} The acceleration of the system is \(0.3 \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 2 }\) in the direction of the pulling force of magnitude \(P\).

1. Calculate the value of \(P\). Truck \(S\) is now subjected to an extra resistive force of 1800 N . The pulling force, \(P\), does not change.
2. Calculate the new acceleration of the trucks.
3. Calculate the force in the coupling between the trucks.

Two particles \(P\) and \(Q\), of masses 0.5 kg and 0.3 kg respectively, are connected by a light inextensible string. The string is taut and \(P\) is vertically above \(Q\). A force of magnitude 10 N is applied to \(P\) vertically upwards. Find the acceleration of the particles and the tension in the string connecting them. [5]

\includegraphics{figure_2} Particles \(A\) and \(B\), of masses \(0.2\) kg and \(0.3\) kg respectively, are attached to the ends of a light inextensible string. Particle \(A\) is held at rest at a fixed point and \(B\) hangs vertically below \(A\). Particle \(A\) is now released. As the particles fall the air resistance acting on \(A\) is \(0.4\) N and the air resistance acting on \(B\) is \(0.25\) N (see diagram). The downward acceleration of each of the particles is \(a\) m s\(^{-2}\) and the tension in the string is \(T\) N.

1. Write down two equations in \(a\) and \(T\) obtained by applying Newton's second law to \(A\) and to \(B\). [4]
2. Find the values of \(a\) and \(T\). [3]

\includegraphics{figure_6} A train of total mass \(80000\) kg consists of an engine \(E\) and two trucks \(A\) and \(B\). The engine \(E\) and truck \(A\) are connected by a rigid coupling \(X\), and trucks \(A\) and \(B\) are connected by another rigid coupling \(Y\). The couplings are light and horizontal. The train is moving along a straight horizontal track. The resistances to motion acting on \(E\), \(A\) and \(B\) are \(10500\) N, \(3000\) N and \(1500\) N respectively (see diagram).

1. By modelling the whole train as a single particle, show that it is decelerating when the driving force of the engine is less than \(15000\) N. [2]
2. Show that, when the magnitude of the driving force is \(35000\) N, the acceleration of the train is \(0.25\) m s\(^{-2}\). [2]
3. Hence find the mass of \(E\), given that the tension in the coupling \(X\) is \(8500\) N when the magnitude of the driving force is \(35000\) N. [3]

The driving force is replaced by a braking force of magnitude \(15000\) N acting on the engine. The force exerted by the coupling \(Y\) is zero.

1. Find the mass of \(B\). [5]
2. Show that the coupling \(X\) exerts a forward force of magnitude \(1500\) N on the engine. [2]