An unsecured heavy toolbox is resting in the bed of a parked pickup truck. If the truck suddenly accelerates forward in a straight line, what will initially happen to the toolbox and why?
- It will slide toward the rear of the truck because its inertia resists the change in motion, keeping it initially at rest.Answer
- BIt will slide toward the front of the truck because a reaction force pulls it in the direction of the truck's acceleration.
- CIt will slide toward the rear of the truck because an active backward force is created to balance the truck's forward motion.
- DIt will slide toward the front of the truck because the toolbox's weight is transferred horizontally when the vehicle moves.
Answer
The toolbox will slide toward the rear of the truck because its inertia resists the change in motion, keeping it initially at rest.
According to Newton's First Law (inertia), an object at rest will stay at rest unless acted upon by an outside force. Because the toolbox is unsecured, the truck's forward force is not directly transferred to it. The toolbox tends to stay in its original position relative to the ground while the truck bed moves forward, resulting in the toolbox sliding toward the rear of the truck.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Newton's First Law (Inertia)
Estimated Time:45s