A Mars rover has a mass of 500 kg. The acceleration due to gravity in mars is about 3.7 m/s^2 and the coefficient of kinetic friction for the rover on the surface is 0.4. How much force must the rover's engine exert in order to travel at a constant speed?

Question

Physics

Duncan Rivas

11 January, 05:54

A Mars rover has a mass of 500 kg. The acceleration due to gravity in mars is about 3.7 m/s^2 and the coefficient of kinetic friction for the rover on the surface is 0.4. How much force must the rover's engine exert in order to travel at a constant speed?

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Cassis · Answer 1

740 N

Explanation:

Friction equals normal force times coefficient of friction. On level ground, normal force equals weight.

Constant speed means no acceleration. Sum of the forces:

∑F = ma

F - mgμ = 0

F = mgμ

F = (500 kg) (3.7 m/s²) (0.4)

F = 740 N