Question

An airplane with a mass of 1.20x10^4 kg tows a glider with a mass of 0.60x10^4 kg. if the airplane propellers provide a net forward thrust of 3.60x10^4, what is the acceleration of the glider?

I'm thinking that I should add the masses and then solve using the equation Fn=ma

leading to the answer 2m/s^2

Any thoughts? Thank you!

Answer 1

Maybe I shouldn't add the masses and just take the glider's mass? leading to 6m/s^2? I am a bit unsure. Please help!

Answer 2

You had it right. If the tow line does not stretch, they accelerate together. Add masses

Answer 3

Look subject