How to Calculate the Acceleration of a Car Being Pushed by Friends?
What is the acceleration of the car being pushed by a group of friends?
The acceleration of the car is approximately 0.64 m/s².
Calculation of the Car's Acceleration:
Given that a 700 kg car is being pushed by a group of friends with a combined 900 N force directed 60° below horizontal, we need to determine the acceleration of the car.
The first step is to resolve the force vector into its horizontal and vertical components. The force in the horizontal direction is approximately 450 N, and the force in the vertical direction is approximately 779 N.
Since there is no friction, the net force acting on the car is equal to the applied horizontal force, which is 450 N.
By applying Newton's second law of motion, we can calculate the acceleration using the formula:
acceleration = Net force / mass
Substituting the values, we get acceleration = 450 N / 700 kg ≈ 0.64 m/s². Therefore, the car's acceleration is approximately 0.64 m/s².
Understanding the Calculation Process:
When solving for the acceleration of the car in this scenario, it is crucial to break down the given force into its horizontal and vertical components. This helps in isolating the relevant forces that contribute to the car's acceleration.
By applying Newton's second law of motion, we can relate the net force acting on the car to its mass and acceleration. This allows us to calculate the acceleration based on the external force applied to the car by the group of friends.
The absence of friction simplifies the calculation, focusing solely on the horizontal force component to determine the acceleration of the car accurately.
By following these steps and utilizing Newton's laws of motion, we can understand and calculate the acceleration of the car being pushed by friends with precision.