Question

An oceanographer is studying the feeding patterns of sharks hunting fish in the Atlantic Ocean. The shark is traveling 5.5 m/s in a northeast direction for 30 seconds before turning and following the fish at 4.0 m/s in the southeast direction for 20 seconds. Which statement could the oceanographer use to best describe the shark's motion?

A. The shark experienced balanced forces by changing its speed from 5.5 m/s to 4.0 m/s after turning.
B. The shark experienced unbalanced forces by maintaining its speed of 5.5 m/s for 30 seconds.
C. The shark experienced balanced forces in the form of acceleration, change in speed, and change in direction.
D. The shark experienced unbalanced forces in the form of acceleration, change in speed, and change in direction.

Answer 1

The correct statement is D, which states that the shark experienced unbalanced forces due to acceleration, a change in speed, and a change in direction.Option D is the correct answer.

Step-by-step explanation:

The oceanographer is studying the feeding patterns of sharks and has observed a shark changing its speed and direction while hunting fish in the Atlantic Ocean.

Specifically, the shark travels 5.5 m/s in a northeast direction for 30 seconds before turning and chasing the fish at 4.0 m/s in a southeast direction for 20 seconds.

This motion indicates that the shark experienced unbalanced forces because there was a change in speed (deceleration) as well as a change in direction. Therefore, the correct statement to best describe the shark's motion is: D. The shark experienced unbalanced forces in the form of acceleration, change in speed, and change in direction.