Question

A cart rolling down a metal track at a constant rate of 8.2 m/s² encounters a patch of sand causing an acceleration of -0.6 m/s². What is the total acceleration of the cart?

1) 7.6 m/s²
2) -7.6 m/s²
3) 8.8 m/s²
4) -8.8 m/s²

Answer 1

To calculate the total acceleration of the cart, subtract the deceleration caused by the sand from the initial acceleration resulting in a total acceleration of 7.6 m/s².

Step-by-step explanation:

The total acceleration of the cart can be determined by taking into account the initial acceleration of the cart and the deceleration caused by the patch of sand. The cart initially has a constant acceleration of 8.2 m/s², and when it encounters the sand, it experiences a deceleration of -0.6 m/s². To find the total acceleration, we subtract the deceleration from the initial acceleration:

Initial acceleration = 8.2 m/s²
Deceleration = -0.6 m/s²
Total acceleration = Initial acceleration + Deceleration
Total acceleration = 8.2 m/s² + (-0.6 m/s²)
Total acceleration = 8.2 m/s² - 0.6 m/s²
Total acceleration = 7.6 m/s²

Therefore, the total acceleration of the cart is 7.6 m/s².