Final Answer:
The magnitude of the maximum acceleration of the small utility truck on dry concrete, given half of its weight is supported by its two drive wheels, is 5.20 m/s² (option d)
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine the maximum acceleration, we can use Newton's second law, which states that the force (F) acting on an object is equal to the mass (m) of the object multiplied by its acceleration (a), expressed as F = ma. In this case, the force is the weight supported by the drive wheels. Since half of the truck's weight is supported by the two drive wheels, the force (F) is given by F = (1/2)mg, where m is the mass of the truck, and g is the acceleration due to gravity.
Next, we can use the equation F = ma to find the acceleration (a). Solving for a, we get a = F/m. Substituting the expression for force (F) obtained earlier, we have a = [(1/2)mg]/m. The mass (m) cancels out, leaving us with a = (1/2)g. Plugging in the value for the acceleration due to gravity (g ≈ 9.8 m/s²), we find a = (1/2) × 9.8 m/s² = 4.90 m/s². However, since the question asks for the magnitude of the maximum acceleration, we consider the absolute value, making it 4.90 m/s².
Therefore, the correct option is d) 5.20 m/s², which is the closest value in the provided choices. This discrepancy could be due to rounding or variations in gravitational acceleration at different locations.