Fundamentals of Physics Extended (10th Edition)

Published by Wiley
ISBN 10: 1-11823-072-8
ISBN 13: 978-1-11823-072-5

Chapter 2 - Motion Along a Straight Line - Questions - Page 31: 6c

Answer

Situation 4 will never pass through the origin. Situation 2 depends on the value of the initial velocity and acceleration; the particle could possible pass through the origin, but it doesn't have to.

Work Step by Step

The particle starts off at -20m, this means that it must travel in the positive direction to reach the origin. The particle in situation 4 starts off traveling in the negative direction and continues in that direction forever so, the particle will never pass through the origin. In situation 2, the particle starts off in the positive direction but has a acceleration in the negative direction. So, depending on the values, the particle could potentially pass the origin but it doesn't have to. A low velocity and a high acceleration magnitude will cause the particle to never pass the origin. A high velocity and low acceleration, however, will surely allow the particle to pass the origin.
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.