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

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the physics of two cars, Car 1 and Car 2, positioned at the edge of a cliff, where Car 1 has twice the mass of Car 2. Both cars experience equal and constant forces, resulting in different accelerations due to their mass differences. Car 2, being lighter, achieves greater acceleration and consequently greater horizontal velocity as they leave the cliff, allowing it to travel farther than Car 1. The analysis confirms that Car 1's greater mass leads to increased inertia and reduced velocity compared to Car 2.

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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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