An unloaded truck weighing 2000 kg has a maximum acceleration of 0.5 m/s2. What is the maximum acceleration when it is carrying a load of 2000 kg?
For unloaded truck,
Mass, m = 2000 kg
a = 0.5 m/s2
Now, using F = ma
F = 2000 x 0.5
= 1000 N
For loaded truck,
m = 2000 + 2000 = 4000 kg
F = 1000 N (remains unchanged)
Again,
F = ma
a = F/m
= 1000/4000
= 0.25 m/s2