The Student Room Group

M2 Model/assumption question

A van of mass 1500 kg is driving up a straight road inclined at an angle α to the horizontal, where sin α = 121. The resistance to motion due to non-gravitational forces is modelled as a constant force of magnitude 1000 N.
Given that initially the speed of the van is 30 m s−1 and that the van’s engine is working at a rate of 60 kW,

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When travelling up the same hill, the rate of working of the van’s engine is increased to 80 kW. Using the same model for the resistance due to non-gravitational forces,

(b) calculate the constant speed which can be sustained by the van at this rate of working.

(c) Give one reason why the use of this model for resistance may mean that your answer to part (b) is too high.

Reply 1

resisitive force isn't constant, it increases with the speed of the car, the air resisitance is roughly proportional to the square of the speed.