MCAT Physics Question 17: Answer and Explanation
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Question: 17
2. A tractor pulls a log with a mass of 500 kg along the ground for 100 m. The rope (between the tractor and the log) makes an angle of 30° with the ground and is acted on by a tensile force of 5000 N. How much work does the tractor perform in this scenario? (Note: sin 30° = 0.5, cos 30° = 0.866, tan 30° = 0.577)
- A. 250 kJ
- B. 289 kJ
- C. 433 kJ
- D. 500 kJ
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The work done by the tractor can be calculated from the equation
W = Fd cos θ = (5000 N)(100 m)(cos 30°) = (5000)(100)(0.866) ≈ 5000 × 80 = 400,000 J = 400 kJ.
This is closest to choice (C).