Answer:
The tension in the coupling between the second and third car is 160580 N
Explanation:
The force exerted on each freight car to provide for its acceleration can be calculated as shown:
Force = mass * acceleration
Force = 37000 * 0.31
Force = 11470 N
Since this is the force needed by one freight cars, and there are a total of 14 cars after the second freight car, we have:
Total force on coupling = Force of each car after coupling
Total force on coupling = 11470 * 14
Total force on coupling = 160580 N