Question

select the correct answer. gina is driving her car to work, but shes stopped at a red light. when the light turns green, she presses the gas pedal and accelerates (speeds up) to move the car. which of these statements is true the moment gina presses the gas pedal? assume the road is flat and level. a. the net force on the car is zero in the horizontal direction. b. the net force on the car is zero in the horizontal and the vertical directions. c. the net force on the car is greater than zero in the horizontal direction. d. the net force on the car is greater than zero in the vertical direction. e. the net force on the car is less than zero in the vertical direction.

Explanation:

When the car accelerates horizontally, by Newton's second law ($F_{\text{net}} = ma$), a non-zero acceleration implies a non-zero net force in that direction. Vertically, forces (gravity and normal force) balance, so net force is zero. Thus, horizontal net force is greater than zero.

Answer:

C. The net force on the car is greater than zero in the horizontal direction