Question

homework 3 begin date: 8/17/2025 11:59:00 pm due date: 9/9/2025 11:59:00 pm end date: 9/9/2025 11:59:00 pm problem 8: (6% of assignment value) a toy car rolls down a ramp at a constant velocity. the car’s mass is m = 1.2 kg, and the ramp makes an angle of θ = 11° with respect to the horizontal. assume that the rolling resistance is negligible. note the coordinate system provided on the image where the x axis is parallel to and directed down the incline. part (a) what is the magnitude, in meters per squared second, of the car’s acceleration? a = m/s²

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze the motion state

The toy car rolls down the ramp at a constant velocity, which means the net force acting on it is zero (Newton's first law). According to Newton's second law \( F = ma \), if the net force \( F = 0 \), then the acceleration \( a = \frac{F}{m}=0 \) (since \( m
eq0 \)).

Step2: Confirm with force analysis (optional but for clarity)

The forces acting on the car along the ramp: the component of gravity down the ramp is \( F_{g,x}=mg\sin\theta \), and the normal force has no component along the ramp. Since the car moves at constant velocity, the net force along the ramp is zero, so the acceleration along the ramp (which is the car's acceleration as the x - axis is down the incline) must be zero.

Answer:

\( 0 \)