Question

A zero-friction (air bearing) cart is heading downhill on a slightly inclined track. At a moment when the cart’s speed downhill is 2.15 m/s, a fan thruster on the cart is activated. The cart immediately begins to experience constant acceleration, such that is slows in its motion, stops for an instant (1.86 s after the fan is turned on), and begins to drive uphill. Analyze the motion beginning when the fan is turned on.

How far does the cart travel from activation until the time it reaches a momentary stop?

How long will it take to get all the way back to where it started?

What will its speed be at that time?

Graph x vs t, v_x vs t, and a_x vs t for the whole trip down and back up, starting when the fan is turned on. (Include axis labels, marked distances and times, etc.)

Answer 1