The graph shows the motion of a squirrel that leaves its nest to find food.

Question

the main points are
starting point (0,0)
Q includes starting point (0,0) to (3,20)
R includes the point (3,20) to (6,20)
S includes the point (6,20) to (7,50)
T includes the point (7,50) to End Point (9,10)

Which segment of the graph represents the squirrel heading toward its nest?

a
Q
b
R
c
T
d
S

Answer 1

To determine which segment of the graph represents the squirrel heading toward its nest, we need to analyze the points described:

• Segment Q: From (0,0) to (3,20) - The squirrel is moving away from the nest.
• Segment R: From (3,20) to (6,20) - The squirrel is moving horizontally at a constant height, still away from the nest.
• Segment S: From (6,20) to (7,50) - The squirrel is moving upward away from the nest, reaching a higher position.
• Segment T: From (7,50) to (9,10) - The squirrel is moving downwards back towards a lower height (10), which suggests it is moving towards the nest at (0,0).

Based on this analysis, the correct answer would be:

c. T

This segment represents the squirrel heading towards its starting point/nest.

Answer 2

Which scenario best demonstrates an example of Newton's first law of motion?

a
A rocket lifts off from a launch pad.
b
A shopping cart accelerates when it is pushed.
c
A car passenger moves forward when a car suddenly stops.
d
A man pushes a canoe off the shore and into the water.

Answer 3

Newton's first law of motion, often referred to as the law of inertia, states that an object at rest will stay at rest, and an object in motion will continue in motion at the same speed and in the same direction unless acted upon by a net external force.

Let's analyze each scenario:

a. A rocket lifts off from a launch pad.

• This demonstrates Newton's third law (action/reaction), as the rocket launches due to the force of gases expelled downward.

b. A shopping cart accelerates when it is pushed.

• This demonstrates Newton's second law (F=ma), as the acceleration is due to a force applied to the cart.

c. A car passenger moves forward when a car suddenly stops.

• This illustrates Newton's first law of motion. The passenger continues moving forward because there is no net force acting on them to stop their motion.

d. A man pushes a canoe off the shore and into the water.

• This involves pushing the canoe, which suggests a force is acting on it, similar to the second law.

The best example that demonstrates Newton's first law of motion is:

c. A car passenger moves forward when a car suddenly stops.

This scenario exemplifies the concept of inertia: when the car stops (the external force), the passenger's body continues moving forward due to inertia.