A small car and a large SUV are at a stoplight. The car has a mass equal to half that of the SUV, and the SUV can produce a maximum accelerating force equal to twice that of the car. When the
Light turns green, both drivers push their accelerators to the floor at the same time. Which vehicle
Pulls ahead of the other vehicle after a few seconds?
A) The car pulls ahead.
B) It is a tie.
C) The SUV pulls ahead.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The acceleration of both vehicles will be the same because acceleration (a) is given by the formula a = F/m, where F is the force applied and m is the mass of the object. Since the SUV has twice the mass of the car but can apply twice the force, the ratio F/m for both vehicles is the same, leading to equal accelerations.

A Small Car and a Large SUV Are at a Stoplight