A car is towing a boat on a trailer. The driver starts from rest and accelerates to a velocity of + 16.7 m/s in a time of 20.7 s. The combined mass of the boat and trailer is 594 kg. The frictional force acting on the trailer can be ignored. What is the tension in the hitch that connects the trailer to the car?

F = 479.21 N

Explanation:

given,

initial velocity = 0 m/s

final velocity = 16.7 m/s

time taken = 20.7 s

combined mass of the boat and trailer = 594 kg

tension in the hitch = ?

using equation of motion

v = u + a t

16.7 = 0 + a * 20.7

a = 0.807 m/s²

Force = mass * acceleration

F = 594 * 0.807

F = 479.21 N

Hence, the tension in the hitch that connects the trailer to the car is F = 479.21 N