Question

1. try each of the scenarios shown in the table below and fill in the forces. describe the effect on the motion of the cart in each scenario.

(situation table with forces and motion descriptions)

1. what happens to the speed of the cart when one side is winning the tug of war?

a. is this type of motion considered \acceleration\? why or why not?

1. what happens to the speed of the cart when the tug of war is a tie?

a. is this type of motion considered \acceleration\? why or why not?

1. when 2 small figures are both pulling in the same direction, their individual forces are

______________ together to find the net force.

1. when 2 small figures are pulling in opposite directions, their individual forces are

______________ to find the net force.

1. an unbalanced force results when the sum of all forces is ______________ and causes the

object to ______________.

1. a balanced force results when the sum of all forces is ______________ and does not cause the

object to ______________.

Explanation:

Question 5

Step1: Analyze net force when winning

When one side wins (unbalanced force, net force ≠ 0), the cart accelerates in the direction of the net force.

Step2: Relate acceleration to speed

Acceleration means a change in velocity (speed or direction). Since net force is in the motion direction, speed increases as the cart accelerates.

Step1: Recall acceleration definition

Acceleration is any change in velocity (speed or direction), including speeding up, slowing down, or changing direction.

Step2: Apply to winning scenario

When winning, net force is unbalanced, so the cart’s speed is increasing (change in speed). By definition, this is acceleration.

Step1: Analyze net force in a tie

In a tie, forces are balanced (net force = 0).

Step2: Relate to Newton’s 1st law

Newton’s 1st law: If net force is 0, an object in motion stays in motion with constant velocity (speed and direction), and an object at rest stays at rest. So the cart’s speed remains constant (if moving) or stays at rest.

Answer:

When one side is winning (net force in their direction), the speed of the cart increases because the unbalanced net force causes acceleration in the direction of the net force.

5a