Hey guys. Can you help me with this question? Thanks!!
A 4WD (2,500 kg) is towing a caravan up in an incline of 110. The 4WD and the caravan encounter a constant
frictional force of 1,250 N and 800 N respectively. The driving force of 13,250 N provided by the 4WD is enough to
accelerate the pair at 1.5 m s-2
Calculate the mass of the caravan.
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I don't know what the actual incline angle is supposed to be, because it shouldn't be 110 degrees (unless I just don't understand the question), but I'll try to go through a general method to the question. It probably helps to draw up a diagram and label everything btw.
Firstly set up your equation of motion:
F_(net) = ma = (2500 + m)*1.5
Then pick a direction for positive motion (up the ramp), then:
(2500 + m)*1.5 = 13250 - 1250 - 800 - m_(4WD)gsin(theta) - m_(caravan)gsin(theta)
Just sub in your values for the angle and solve for m that way. Should be correct...