Calculate the acceleration as the tractor slows down

[Jeff97]

Homework Statement

The mass of a tractor is 200kg. The braking force on the tractor is 6.0kN. Calculate the acceleration as the tractor slows down.

Relevant Equations

g=9.8N kg^1

So I use 2000kg and 6.0kN to get 3ms^2

 

[Vanadium 50]

Why do you need gravity? What is falling?

 

[Jeff97]

True, nothing. Is this right tho?

 

[Mister T]

So I use 2000kg and 6.0kN to get 3ms^2

What do you mean by "use"? How are you using them and why?

 

[FactChecker]

Is it 2000kg or 200kg? You should use a specific equation (show it), plug in numbers with units, and calculate the result being careful about the units.

 

[Jeff97]

Its 2000kg. a=F/m but 6 is in kN so you change it to N=6000 a=6000/2000=3ms^2

 

[FactChecker]

You need to be careful about the units. Especially in more complicated formulas, it is wise to put the units into the formulas with the numbers. Then you can cancel and manipulate units correctly in your calculation.
A Newton is: $1 N = 1 kg \frac m {s^2}$.

 

[Mister T]

Its 2000kg. a=F/m but 6 is in kN so you change it to N=6000 a=6000/2000=3ms^2

Well, you rewrite 6 kN as 6000 N. You wouldn't write N=6000, but otherwise you have done it correctly.

 

[FactChecker]

Well, you rewrite 6 kN as 6000 N. You wouldn't write N=6000, but otherwise you have done it correctly.

Except for the units of acceleration.

 

[Jeff97]

m/s^2 is wrong?

 

[FactChecker]

m/s^2 is wrong?

m/s^2 is correct. The posts I see say ms^2, not m/s^2.

 

[Mister T]

Yes, $\mathrm{m/s^2}$ is correct. Alternatively you could write $\mathrm{m \cdot s^{-2}}$. But $\mathrm{m \cdot s^2}$ is not correct.