A toy cart on a linear track is propelled towards a springy barrier. The cart travels along the track, collides with the barrier, and rebounds.
The velocity-time graph below represents the motion of the cart:
a.[1]
Describe the motion of the cart between points A and B.
b.[1]
In which direction, relative to the barrier, is the cart moving between points C and D?
c.[1]
In mechanics, the cart is modeled as a 'particle'. Which of the following best describes what is meant by a 'particle' in mechanics?
- An object whose rotational motion and air resistance are neglected because its dimensions are negligible.
- An object with zero mass and zero volume.
- A perfectly spherical body of variable mass.
d.[2]
When the cart collides with the barrier, mechanical energy is transferred from the cart to the barrier and surroundings. Explain how the data in the graph shows this energy transfer.