Conceptual Physics (12th Edition)

Published by Addison-Wesley
ISBN 10: 0321909100
ISBN 13: 978-0-32190-910-7

Chapter 5 - Think and Explain - Page 87-89: 49

Answer

No, it is not possible.

Work Step by Step

The man can only exert equal forces on both cars. This can be argued by symmetry; there is nothing to distinguish right from left. Since the car's masses are equal, they undergo equal and opposite accelerations, and have the same final speed.
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