PHYSICS · Multi-part · CBSE · Physics · Force and Laws of Motion · Force and Laws of Motion
Problem
Three low-friction carts, labeled A, B, and C, are equipped with identical battery-powered fans that blow horizontally. The fans provide the same constant horizontal thrust. Extra rectangular steel blocks can be placed on each cart to change its total mass. Cart A has a total mass of 0.50 kg, cart B has a total mass of 1.0 kg, and cart C has a total mass of 1.5 kg. The carts are released simultaneously from rest on a level track when their fans are switched on.
(a) Rank the carts in order of the magnitude of their acceleration, from greatest to least. If any carts have equal acceleration, state that explicitly.
(b) Clearly explain the reasoning that supports your ranking, referring to appropriate physical principles and the information given.
(c) Which cart will reach a speed of 2.0 m/s first? Justify your answer quantitatively or qualitatively.