Lectures on Physics has been derived from Benjamin Crowell's Light and Matter series of free introductory textbooks on physics. See the editorial for more information....

Home Newtonian Physics Force and Motion Examples An accelerating bus
 
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An accelerating bus

A VW bus with a mass of 2000 kg accelerates from 0 to 25 m/s (freeway speed) in 34 s. Assuming the acceleration is constant, what is the total force on the bus?

We solve Newton's second law for Ftotal = ma, and substitute Δv/Δt for a, giving

Ftotal = mΔv/Δt
= (2000 kg)(25 m/s - 0 m/s)/(34 s)
= 1.5 kN .



Home Newtonian Physics Force and Motion Examples An accelerating bus

Last Update: 2010-11-11