Question

select all that apply
a mule pulls a cart twice as heavy as the mule. which of the following statements are true.
the acceleration of the mule is larger than the acceleration of the cart.
the acceleration of the mule is the same as for the cart.
the net force acting on the mule is the same as on the cart.
the net force acting on the mule is larger than the net force on the cart.
the acceleration of the mule is less than the acceleration of the cart.
the net force acting on the mule is less than the net force on the cart.

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze acceleration linkage

The mule and cart move together, so their accelerations are equal.

Step2: Define masses and Newton's 2nd law

Let mule mass = $m$, cart mass = $2m$. Newton's 2nd law: $F_{net}=ma$.

Step3: Compare net forces

For mule: $F_{net,mule}=m \cdot a$
For cart: $F_{net,cart}=2m \cdot a$
Thus, $F_{net,cart}=2F_{net,mule}$, so mule's net force is smaller.

Answer:

• The acceleration of the mule is the same as for the cart.
• The net force acting on the mule is less than the net force on the cart.