Question

A flatbed truck is carrying an 800-kg load of timber that is not tied down. The maximum friction force between the truck bed and the load is 2400 N. What is the greatest acceleration that the truck can have without losing its load

Answer 1

Answer:

Acceleration a ≤ 3 m/s^2

the greatest acceleration that the truck can have without losing its load is 3 m/s^2

Explanation:

For the truck to accelerate without losing its load.

Acceleration force of truck must be less than or equal to the maximum friction force between the truck bed and the load.

Fa ≤ F(friction)

But;

Fa = mass × acceleration

Fa = ma

ma ≤ F(friction)

a ≤ (F(friction))/m ......1

Given;

Fa = mass × acceleration

Fa = ma

mass m = 800 kg

F(friction) = 2400 N

Substituting the given values into equation 1;

a ≤ F(friction)/m

a ≤ 2400N/800kg

a ≤ 3 m/s^2

the greatest acceleration that the truck can have without losing its load is 3 m/s^2