Questions from College Physics

Q: Two cars are headed toward each other in opposite directions along a

Two cars are headed toward each other in opposite directions along a narrow country road. The cars collide head-on, crumpling up the hoods of both. Describe what happens to the car bodies in terms of...

Q: (a) Is it possible for the sum of two vectors

(a) Is it possible for the sum of two vectors to be smaller in magnitude than the magnitude of either vector? (b) Is it possible for the magnitude of the sum of two vectors to be larger than the sum...

Q: With the y-axis pointing north, rank vectors

With the y-axis pointing north, rank vectors /

Q: (a) What assumptions do you make when you call the

(a) What assumptions do you make when you call the reading of a bathroom scale your “weight”? What does the scale really tell you? (b) Under what circumstances might the reading of the scale not be eq...

Q: A freight train consists of an engine and several identical cars on

A freight train consists of an engine and several identical cars on level ground. Determine whether each of these statements is correct or incorrect and explain why. (a) If the train is moving at con...

Q: (a) Does a man weigh more at the North Pole

(a) Does a man weigh more at the North Pole or at the equator? (b) Does he weigh more at the top of Mt. Everest or at the base of the mountain?

Q: What is the distinction between a vector and a scalar quantity?

What is the distinction between a vector and a scalar quantity? Give two examples of each.

Q: If a wagon starts at rest and pulls back on you with

If a wagon starts at rest and pulls back on you with a force equal to the force you pull on it, as required by Newton's third law, how is it possible for you to make the wagon start to move? Explain....

Q: Can the x-component of a vector ever be greater than

Can the x-component of a vector ever be greater than the magnitude of the vector? Explain.

Q: A heavy ball hangs from a string attached to a sturdy wooden

A heavy ball hangs from a string attached to a sturdy wooden frame. A second string is attached to a hook on the bottom of the lead ball. You pull slowly and steadily on the lower string. Which string...