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A tractor of mass [tex]m_1 = 2,000 \, \text{kg}[/tex] is pulling a trailer of mass [tex]m_2 = 5,000 \, \text{kg}[/tex]. If the tractor-trailer is accelerated at [tex]2.0 \, \text{m/s}^2[/tex], and air resistance is negligible, what is the tension in the trailer hitch that connects the trailer to the tractor?

Answer :

The tension in the trailer hitch connecting a 2,000 kg tractor to a 5,000 kg trailer, both accelerating at 2.0 m/s², is 10,000 N. It is calculated using Newton's second law of motion, considering the mass and acceleration of the trailer.

The question concerns the tension in the trailer hitch connecting a tractor to a trailer when both are accelerating. Given that the tractor has a mass of m1 = 2,000 kg and is pulling a trailer with a mass of m2 = 5,000 kg, and the acceleration of the system is 2.0 m/s², the tension can be found by using Newton's second law of motion.

To calculate the tension, we first determine the force required to accelerate the trailer. Newton's second law states that F = ma (force equals mass times acceleration). Therefore, the force needed to accelerate the trailer alone is Ftrailer = m2 * a, which equals 5,000 kg * 2.0 m/s² = 10,000 N. This force is provided by the tension in the hitch, so the tension is 10,000 N.

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