Question

TASK 3
a. Place 2 people that are different sizes the same distance away from the cart.
b. Make a prediction about the movement of the cart.
c. AFTER you have observed the actual movement, click on the sum of the
forces box at the top right hand corner. Record the number in the data chart.
Predicted
Movement
Actual
Movement
(none, left,
right)
Sum of
Forces
(0, x-left,
x-right)
Different size, same placement
on rope.

Answer 1

Prediction: The cart will move toward the larger (stronger) person because they can pull with more force than the smaller person, producing a non‑zero net force toward their side.

What to record after you run the trial:
- Actual Movement: (none / left / right) — choose the direction the cart actually moved.
- Sum of Forces: enter the number shown in the simulation’s “sum of the forces” box, with direction (0, x-left, or x-right).

Example you can copy into your chart
- Different size, same placement on rope
- Predicted Movement: toward the larger person (e.g., right)
- Actual Movement: (observe and write none / left / right)
- Sum of Forces: (read and record the value from the box, e.g. “2-right”)

Notes:
- If the sum of forces reads 0, the cart should not move.
- If it reads e.g. “3-right”, the cart should move right; “3-left” means it moves left.
- If you want, tell me which side you put the larger person on and the sum value you observe and I’ll help you interpret the result.