The engine of a car produces acceleration 4m/sec² in the car, if this car pulls another car of same mass, what will be the acceleration produced
Correct Answer :
2 m/s²
Solution :
The correct answer is 2 m/s².
Let us break down the solution step-by-step using Newton's second law of motion.
Step 1: Understand Newton's Second Law
Newton's second law of motion states that the force acting on an object is equal to the mass of the object multiplied by its acceleration:
where:
- is the force produced by the engine,
- is the mass of the car, and
- is the acceleration produced.
Step 2: Define the initial scenario
In the first case, the engine produces an acceleration of on a single car of mass . Therefore, the force produced by the engine is:
Step 3: Analyze the second scenario
When this car pulls another car of the same mass , the total mass being accelerated by the same engine force doubles. Let the new total mass be :
Step 4: Calculate the new acceleration
Let be the new acceleration produced. Using Newton's second law for the combined system:
Substitute the values we know into this equation:
Divide both sides by (assuming mass ):
Solving for gives:
Thus, the acceleration produced when pulling another car of the same mass is .
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