The equation below is the solution to a physics problem: . The most likely physical situation it describes is
A) a 2.30 kg cart rolling up a 30° incline.
B) a 2.30 kg cart rolling down a 30° incline.
C) a 2.30 kg cart rolling up a 60° incline.
D) a 2.30 kg cart rolling down a 60° incline.
E) a 2.30 kg cart rolling down a 90° incline.

Question

The equation below is the solution to a physics problem:  . The most likely physical situation it describes is
A) a 2.30 kg cart rolling up a 30° incline. 
B) a 2.30 kg cart rolling down a 30° incline. 
C) a 2.30 kg cart rolling up a 60° incline. 
D) a 2.30 kg cart rolling down a 60° incline. 
E) a 2.30 kg cart rolling down a 90° incline.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The equation given includes the term for gravitational potential energy, which is mgh (mass x gravity x height). Since the equation also includes a negative sign, it suggests that the height h is decreasing, meaning the cart is moving downhill. Therefore, the best choice is option B, which describes a cart rolling down a 30° incline.

The Equation Below Is the Solution to a Physics Problem