Question

The graph above depicts the velocity of an unmanned wheeled cart over time. Two opposing forces acted on the cart during the course of the investigation. What is the best conclusion as supported by the data in graph

Answer 1

Answer : The forces were unequal, then they became equal.

Explanation : According to the attached complete question;

In the first part, where the velocity keeps on decreasing uniformly. The cart is observed to decelerate (here the acceleration is less than 0).  

According to the formula of Force;

F = ma. (where F - Force; m - mass and a -  acceleration)

when it was the case where a ≠ 0, there is a non-zero resultant force acting on the cart.  

Therefore, the forces were unequal in the first part.  

And during the second part, the velocity was observed to be constant, and so the acceleration is  equal to 0.  

Now, using the force formula;

F = ma.

As a = 0, the resultant force acting on the cart will also be 0.

Therefore, the forces are equal in the second part.  

Answer 2

Answer:

The forces were unequal, then became equal.

Explanation:

The most likely choice is that the forces were unequal, then became equal. As depicted by the slope in the graph, one of the forces was stronger than the other and caused the cart to slow down. Eventually the two forces evened out and the cart remained at a steady velocity.