Question

A car of mass m₁ = 1000 kg is connected to a trailer of mass m₂ = 400 kg by a taut inextensible cable. The car's engine provides a constant forward driving force F_x = 7000 N, which causes the car-plus-trailer to accelerate forwards along the horizontal x-axis. The tension of the cable produces a force on the trailer and also a force on the car. You may assume that the magnitude of the two forces is the same. You may also ignore friction.What is the tension in the cable joining the car to the trailer?

Answer 1