Moments (Edexcel International A Level Physics)

A dragster is a racing car designed for a very short race along a completely straight track, so must be able to accelerate at a very high rate. The dragster and driver shown below have a combined weight of 1.23 × 10⁴ N. The centre of gravity is 1.80 m in front of the rear axle.

The front axle of the dragster is 6.00 m from the rear axle.

Calculate the reaction forces R₁ and R₂, shown on the diagram, when the dragster is stationary and not accelerating.

R₁ = ................................

R₂ = ................................

When the dragster starts, there is a driving force that gives the dragster an initial forward acceleration of 5.50 g.

Calculate the initial driving force on the dragster.

Initial driving force = ...............................

The power from the car’s engine is constant.

Explain how the force from the engine varies as the car accelerates.