The engine of the car develops a driving force of 4000N. Air resistance also acts on the car, with a force of R. If the car has a mass of 1000kg, and is accelerating at 1.5m/s^2, calculate the magnitude of R.

R = -2500N

Explanation:

Use formula ΣF = Ma. We can split the Net Force into two parts: Fe - Ff  =  Ma.

Fe is the force developed by the engine: 4000N

Ff (R) is the air resistance projected on the vehicle. This is the value we're looking for.

Mass: 1000kg

Acceleration: 1.5m/s^2

Next, just plug in the values and solve.

▪4000N - Ff  =  (1000kg)(1.5m/s^2)

▪Ff = 1500N - 4000N

▪Ff = -2500N

R = -2500N.

The air resistance acting on the car is R = -2500N.