Question

1. engine car trailer 6000 n 1000 n 1000 n what is the net force? a) 4000 n right b) 40 n left c) 4000 n left d) 5000 n right

Explanation:

Step1: Define positive - direction

Let the right - hand direction be positive.

Step2: Calculate the net force

The force of the engine is $F_{engine}=- 6000N$ (left - hand direction), and the forces on the car and trailer are $F_{car}=1000N$ and $F_{trailer}=1000N$ (right - hand direction). The net force $F_{net}=F_{car}+F_{trailer}+F_{engine}$.
$F_{net}=1000 + 1000-6000=-4000N$. The negative sign indicates the direction is to the left.

Answer:

c) 4000 N left