Question

If a car is traveling north on a straight road and its brakes are applied, it will:

• A. have no acceleration
• B. accelerate to the south
• C. accelerate to the north
• D. accelerate either east or west

Hint:

When brakes are applied, acceleration acts textbfopposite to the direction of motion, even though the vehicle is still moving forward.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understand the concept of acceleration. Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity. It can occur due to a change in speed, direction, or both. Step 2: Analyze the situation. The car is moving north. When brakes are applied, the car slows down. Step 3: Determine the direction of acceleration. When an object slows down, its acceleration is opposite to the direction of motion. Since the car’s velocity is towards the north, the acceleration must be towards the south. Step 4: Evaluate the options.

(A) Incorrect — there is acceleration (deceleration)
(B) Correct — acceleration is southward ✔
(C) Incorrect — that would increase speed
(D) Incorrect — no change in direction
Step 5: Final conclusion. The correct answer is \(\boxed{\text{(B)}}\).