Question

A 8000 kg engine pulls a train of 5 wagons, each of 2000 kg, along a horizontal track. If the engine exerts a force of 40000 N and the track offers a friction force of 5000 N, then calculate:
(c) the force of wagon 1 on wagon 2

Answer 1

Given, force of engine = 40000 N

Force of friction = 5000 N
Mass of engine = 8000 kg
Total weight of wagons = 5 x 2000 kg = 10000 kg

The net accelerating force
= Force exerted by engine – Force of fricition
= 40000 N – 5000 N = 35000 N

The acceleration of the train
We know that, F = mass x acceleration
Or, 35000 N = (mass of engine + mass of 5 wagons) X a
Or, 35000 N = (8000 kg + 10000 kg) X a
Or, 35000N = 18000 kg X a



The force of wagon 1 on wagon 2 = mass of four wagons x acceleration