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The engine of a car produces an acceleration of 6 m s-2 in the car. If this car pulls another car of the same mass, then the acceleration would be

Correct answer: C. 3 m s-2

  • A. 6 m s-2
  • B. 12 m s-2
  • C. 3 m s-2
  • D. 1.5 m s-2

Explanation

The engine initially provides an acceleration of 6 m s-2 to the car. When a second car of the same mass is added, the total mass being accelerated doubles. According to Newton's Second Law, F = ma, if the force remains constant and the mass doubles, the acceleration must be halved to maintain the equation's balance. Therefore, the new acceleration is 3 m s-2. Option A is incorrect because the same acceleration cannot be maintained with additional mass. Option B is incorrect because it incorrectly suggests that acceleration would increase. Option D is incorrect as it suggests a reduction to a quarter, which is not supported by the doubling of mass.

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