Refer to the diagram shown below.
m₁ = 1100 kg represents the mass of the car.
m₂ = 700 kg indicates the combined mass of the trailer and boat.
F = 1900 N is the driving force acting on the vehicle.
N₁ denotes m₁g, the normal force on the car.
N₂ corresponds to m₂g, the normal force on the trailer and boat.
Frictional forces are represented by μN₁ and μN₂, where μ is the coefficient of kinetic friction.
T signifies the force in the connection between the car and the trailer.
Part (a)
Let R₁ signify the total resistance acting against the motion of the car, boat, and trailer.
With the acceleration at 0.550 m/s², it follows that
(m₁ + m₂ kg)*(0.55 m/s²) = F
(1100 + 700 kg)*(0.55 m/s²) = (1900 - R₁) N.
This leads to the equation 990 = 1900 - R.
Therefore, R₁ = 910 N.
Answer: The total resistive force amounted to 910 N.
Part (b)
The trailer and boat experience 80% of the resisting forces.
Let R₂ denote this resistive force.
Thus,
R₂ = 0.8*R₁ = 728 N.
Assuming T is the tension in the hitch connecting the car and trailer, it follows:
T - R₂ = m₂(0.55 m/s²)
(T - 728 N) = (700 kg)*(0.55 m/s²).
This leads to T - 728 = 385.
Thus, T equals 1113 N.
Answer: The tension in the hitch is 1113 N.
