Question

A car of mass m push = 1200 kg is capable of a maximum acceleration of 6.00 m / s 2 . If this car is required to push a stalled car of mass m stall = 1750 kg, what is the maximum magnitude of the acceleration a of the two‑car system? a = 0.62 m / s 2

Answer 1

1)

first you find the maxium force that the car can produce.

f=ma

Fmax=(1100kg)(6m/s^2)

then use f = ma again to find the accel with the passengers

Fmax=(1100kg +1650kg)(a)

=> a = (1100kg)(6m/s^2)/( 1100kg +1650kg)

= 2.4 m/s^2