The kitten-basket system experiences a downward acceleration equal to gravity (9.8 m/s²) as it falls freely. The additional motions of the kitten within the basket do not change this fundamental gravitational acceleration. Option B is the correct.
Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity with respect to time. In the scenario described, the kitten and basket fall freely under the influence of gravity.
Since air resistance is negligible, the only force acting on the system is gravity. In the absence of any other forces, the acceleration of the kitten-basket system is solely determined by gravity and is directed downward with a magnitude equal to the acceleration due to gravity (g), which is approximately 9.8 m/s² on the surface of the Earth.
The fact that the kitten rolls, turns, kicks, and catches the basket in its claws does not affect the overall acceleration of the system.
These motions may change the orientation of the kitten within the basket, but they don't alter the fundamental downward acceleration caused by gravity. The system can be treated as a projectile in free fall, where the only significant force is gravity. Option B is the correct.
Complete question:
A kitten sits in a lightweight basket near the edge of a table. A person accidentally knocks the basket off the table. As the kitten and basket fall, the kitten rolls, turns, kicks, and catches the basket in its claws. The basket lands on the floor with the kitten safely inside. If air resistance is negligible, what is the acceleration of the kitten-basket system while the kitten and basket are in midair?
A - The acceleration is directed downward with magnitude less than g because the basket is light.
B - The acceleration is directed downward with magnitude equal to g because the system is a projectile.
C - The acceleration fluctuates because of the rolling, turning, and kicking motion of the kitten.
D - The acceleration cannot be determined without knowing how hard the basket is pushed.