Two toy cars (16 kg and 2 kg) are released simultaneously on an inclined plane that makes an angle of 30° with the horizontal. Which statement best describes their acceleration after being released?
A) The 16-kg car accelerates 8 times faster than the 2-kg car.
B) Both cars accelerate at a rate of g sin(30°).
C) Both cars accelerate at a rate of 0.866 g.
D) The 2-kg car accelerates 8 times faster than the 16-kg car.
E) Both cars accelerate at a rate of 8?g.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The acceleration of objects in free fall or on an inclined plane due to gravity is independent of their mass. Both cars will accelerate at the same rate, which is given by $g \sin(\theta)$, where $g$ is the acceleration due to gravity and $\theta$ is the angle of the incline. For an angle of 30°, this simplifies to $g \sin(30°)$, which is the correct description of their acceleration.

Two Toy Cars (16 Kg and 2 Kg) Are Released