In tests on earth a lunar surface exploration vehicle (mass = 5.90 103 kg) achieves a forward acceleration of 0.215 m/s2. To achieve this same acceleration on the moon, the vehicle's engines must produce a drive force of 1.64 103 N. What is the magnitude of the frictional force that acts on the vehicle on the moon?
To find the magnitude of the frictional force acting on the vehicle on the moon, we can use Newton's second law of motion, which states that the net force acting on an object is equal to the product of its mass and acceleration.
On Earth:
Mass of the vehicle (m) = 5.90 × 10^3 kg
Acceleration on Earth (a) = 0.215 m/s^2
Using Newton's second law:
Net force on Earth (F_net_earth) = m * a
F_net_earth = 5.90 × 10^3 kg * 0.215 m/s^2
F_net_earth = 1263.5 N
Now, let's calculate the force required on the moon using the same acceleration of 0.215 m/s^2:
Force on the moon (F_moon) = 1.64 × 10^3 N
Since there is no atmosphere on the moon, there is no significant air resistance. Therefore, the frictional force on the moon is negligible. The force on the moon is solely due to the vehicle's propulsion system.
Hence, the magnitude of the frictional force acting on the vehicle on the moon is close to zero.