A cyclist is towing a trailer behind her bicycle - AQA - A-Level Maths Mechanics - Question 15 - 2021 - Paper 2
Question 15
A cyclist is towing a trailer behind her bicycle.
She is riding along a straight, horizontal path at a constant speed.
A tension of $T$ newtons acts on the connect... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:A cyclist is towing a trailer behind her bicycle - AQA - A-Level Maths Mechanics - Question 15 - 2021 - Paper 2
Step 1
State the value of T giving a clear reason for your answer.
96%
114 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
To find the value of T, we start by understanding that the forces acting on the trailer are in equilibrium since the cyclist is moving at a constant speed. The driving force provided by the cyclist is 40 N, while the resistance force acting on the trailer is 12 N. Therefore, the tension T must balance the resistance force, as there is no resultant force acting on the trailer.
This leads us to the equation:
T+12N=40N
Rearranging gives:
T=40N−12N=28N
Thus, we find that:
T=28N
Step 2
State one assumption you have made in reaching your answer to part (a).
99%
104 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
One assumption made is that the rod connecting the bicycle and trailer remains horizontal throughout the motion, ensuring that the forces are acting in a straight line.
