M2 June 2010 Q4

EdexcelOld spec8 marksPower

4. A car of mass 750 kg is moving up a straight road inclined at an angle \(\theta\) to the horizontal, where \(\sin\theta = \dfrac{1}{15}\). The resistance to motion of the car from non-gravitational forces has constant magnitude \(R\) newtons. The power developed by the car’s engine is 15 kW and the car is moving at a constant speed of 20 m s\(^{-1}\).

(a) Show that \(R = 260\). (4)

The power developed by the car’s engine is now increased to 18 kW. The magnitude of the resistance to motion from non-gravitational forces remains at 260 N. At the instant when the car is moving up the road at 20 m s\(^{-1}\) the car’s acceleration is \(a\) m s\(^{-2}\).

(b) Find the value of \(a\). (4)