Car 1 & Car 2: Inertia & Velocity at the Edge of a Cliff

AI Thread Summary
Car 1, having twice the mass of Car 2, experiences greater inertia and thus achieves a lower velocity when both cars reach the cliff edge. Despite equal forces applied to both cars, Car 2 accelerates faster due to its lesser mass. As a result, Car 2 has a greater horizontal velocity when leaving the cliff, allowing it to travel farther than Car 1. The discussion emphasizes the relationship between mass, inertia, and acceleration in determining the final velocities of the cars. Overall, Car 2's lighter mass contributes to its superior performance in this scenario.
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Homework Statement


Car 1 and Car 2 are initially at rest on a horizontal parking lot at the edge of a steep cliff. Car 1 has twice the mass as car 2. Equal and constant forces are applied to each car and they accelerate across equal distance to the cliff. We ignore the effects of friction. When they reach the far end of the lot, the force is suddenly removed, whereupon they sail through the air and crash to the ground below.


Homework Equations


Velocity = speed x direction
inertia
acceleration = change in velocity/time

The Attempt at a Solution


Car 1 has twice the mass it has twice the inertia and less velocity then car 2. Since car 2 has 1/2 the mass, it has greater acceleration leaving the cliff it therefore "shoots out" farther than car 1. Would it be correct to say it has greater "horizontal velocity" leaving the cliff?
 
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Yep.

You were an easy one! :cool:
 


Hoorah!
 

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