A train consisting of three cars of mass 'm' each is pulled with force 'F' by a locomotive in a straight, horizontal line. Assuming there is no friction, find the force on each car.
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The subject matter of this question is better suited to Physics.SE, but in its current form it'd probably be closed under their homework policy. – Michael Seifert Feb 08 '18 at 18:06
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The whole train experiences some acceleration $A$, so $F = 3 m A$. Each car, of mass $m$ experiences the same acceleration, so $F_{{\rm car}} = m A = (1/3) F$.
Thought experiment: if you put a (very stiff) spring in each linkage between cars and between the lead car and the loc. to measure the force applied at the linkage, what would you see?
fred goodman
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