Question: During a science fair demonstration, two bumper cars—Car X and Car Y—are sent toward each other on a straight track. The cars collide head-on and come to a stop. Sensors placed on each car measure the peak force exerted during the collision. Despite having different masses, the readings from the force sensors on both cars show identical values. Observers note that both cars briefly reverse direction after impact before stopping
Car X
Mass: 200 kg
Car Y
Mass: 250 kg
600 N
600 N
Car
Mass (kg)
Sensor Reading (Peak Force)
Car X
200 kg
600 N
Car Y
250 kg
600 N
2. Based on the sensor data, which claim best describes the interaction between the forces exerted by Car X and Car Y during their collision?
A. Car X exerted a greater force because it moved backward after the collision.
B. Car X absorbed more force because it is lighter and bounced farther.
C. Car Y exerted a greater force because it has more mass.
D. Car X and Car Y exerted equal forces on each other during the collision.
1. **Problem Statement:** Two bumper cars, Car X (mass $200$ kg) and Car Y (mass $250$ kg), collide head-on and come to a stop. Both cars' force sensors record a peak force of $600$ N during the collision. We need to determine which claim best describes the forces exerted by the cars on each other.
2. **Relevant Physics Principle:** According to Newton's Third Law of Motion, for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. This means the force Car X exerts on Car Y is equal in magnitude and opposite in direction to the force Car Y exerts on Car X.
3. **Explanation:**
- Both cars have different masses but the force sensors show the same peak force of $600$ N.
- The fact that both sensors read the same force confirms Newton's Third Law.
- The direction of motion after collision (both cars briefly reversing) does not affect the equality of forces exerted during the collision.
4. **Conclusion:** The correct claim is:
$$\text{D. Car X and Car Y exerted equal forces on each other during the collision.}$$
This is consistent with Newton's Third Law and the sensor data provided.