The diagram below shows a compressed spring between two trolleys initially at rest on a horizontal, frictionless surface - NSC Physical Sciences - Question 1 - 2016 - Paper 1
Question 1
The diagram below shows a compressed spring between two trolleys initially at rest on a horizontal, frictionless surface. Trolley A has a mass of 2 kg and trolley B ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The diagram below shows a compressed spring between two trolleys initially at rest on a horizontal, frictionless surface - NSC Physical Sciences - Question 1 - 2016 - Paper 1
Step 1
A. half as great.
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Answer
According to Newton's third law, the forces exerted by the spring on both trolleys will be equal in magnitude and opposite in direction. Hence, the correct answer must reflect that the forces exerted are equal.
Step 2
B. twice as great.
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Answer
This option does not hold true because the forces are not related to their masses in this case but rather to the action-reaction principle expressed by Newton's laws.
Step 3
C. three times as great.
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Answer
Since the forces are equal and opposite for both trolleys, this statement cannot be correct in the context of spring force action.
Step 4
D. four times as great.
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Answer
Similar to the previous statements, this option misconstrues the relationship between forces under Newton's third law and is therefore incorrect.
