Question

If a bus you are riding is traveling at a constant speed and then stops suddenly, you feel "thrown" forward. Which of the following is true at the instant the bus begins to stop? Assume the seat is frictionless and that you are not wearing a seatbelt.
Select one:

a. You slide forward on the frictionless seat at the same velocity that the bus was traveling prior to the stop.

b. A force is throwing you forward.

c. You are accelerating (remember, there is acceleration when velocities are changing).

Answer 1

Answer:

Option A

You slide forward on the frictionless seat at the same velocity that the bus was traveling prior to the stop

Explanation:

From the law of inertia, an object will remain at rest or move at a constant speed in a straight line unless it is acted on by an unbalanced force. Since you were riding, you will maintain the speed of car even after application of instantaneous brakes. In the process, you slide forward on the frictionless seat at the same velocity that the bus was traveling prior to the stop.