The acceleration of the car will
The mass of the car will
The velocity of the car will
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
To understand how the acceleration, mass, and velocity of a car are related, we can analyze the basic principles of Newtonian physics, specifically Newton’s second law of motion. This law states that the acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting upon it and inversely proportional to its mass. Mathematically, it can be expressed as:
[ F = m \cdot a ]
where ( F ) is the net force acting on the object, ( m ) is its mass, and ( a ) is the acceleration.
- Acceleration of the Car: Acceleration is defined as the rate of change of velocity with respect to time. In the context of a car, if a force is applied (e.g., by the engine through the wheels), the car will accelerate. The greater the force applied, the greater the acceleration, provided the mass remains constant. For instance, if two cars have the same engine power, the lighter car will accelerate faster than the heavier one.
- Mass of the Car: The mass of the car plays a crucial role in determining its acceleration. A heavier car (greater mass) will require a larger force to achieve the same acceleration as a lighter car. For example, if two cars are subjected to the same engine force, the car with more mass will have a lower acceleration because the force is spread over a greater mass. This relationship highlights why sports cars, which typically have lower mass, can achieve high speeds quickly compared to larger vehicles.
- Velocity of the Car: Velocity is the speed of the car in a specific direction. As a car accelerates, its velocity increases. If the net force acting on the car continues to act, the car will keep gaining speed. However, as the velocity increases, the car may experience air resistance (drag) and friction, which can affect acceleration. If these opposing forces become equal to the driving force, the car will reach a constant velocity, known as terminal velocity.
In summary, the acceleration of a car is influenced by the net force applied and its mass. Understanding these relationships helps in evaluating the performance and behavior of vehicles in various driving conditions.