Final answer:
Newton's second law of motion can be applied to analyze the motion of a fan cart by considering the forces acting on the cart. The net force can be calculated by multiplying the mass of the cart by its acceleration. By measuring the time it takes for the cart to travel a known distance, the speed and acceleration can be determined.
Step-by-step explanation:
Newton's second law of motion can be applied to analyze the motion of a fan cart by considering the forces acting on the cart. According to Newton's second law, the net force acting on an object is equal to the product of its mass and acceleration, Fnet = ma. In the case of a fan cart, the force propelling the cart forward is provided by the fan. This force can be calculated by measuring the mass of the cart and the acceleration it experiences. By measuring the time it takes for the cart to travel a known distance, the speed and acceleration can be determined using appropriate kinematic equations. Once the acceleration is known, it can be used along with the mass of the cart to calculate the net force acting on the cart. For example, if the mass of the cart is 1 kg and it accelerates at 3 m/s^2, the net force acting on the cart is Fnet = (1 kg) x (3 m/s^2) = 3 N.