Question 33

The cart speeds up.

As the engine applies a constant force in the same direction the cart is moving, the cart will experience an increase in its speed. This is due to the net force acting on the cart, which results in acceleration according to Newton's second law of motion.

A) It slows down.

This option is incorrect because the application of a constant force in the same direction as the cart's motion would not lead to a decrease in speed. Instead, the force would contribute to an increase in velocity.

B) It stops.

This option is also incorrect. A constant force applied in the direction of motion would not cause the cart to stop; rather, it would continue to move faster as the force increases its acceleration.

C) It continues to move at a constant speed.

This choice is incorrect because if a constant force is applied to the cart, it will not maintain its constant speed. Instead, the presence of the force would result in an acceleration, changing the speed of the cart.

D) It speeds up.

This option is correct. The constant force applied in the direction of the cart's motion will cause it to accelerate, resulting in an increase in speed as it moves along the track.

Conclusion

The analysis of the forces acting on the cart confirms that the correct answer is that the cart speeds up when a constant force is applied in the same direction as its motion. All other options fail because they suggest scenarios that contradict the principles of motion and force, specifically Newton's laws.