Question

Two cars travel along a level straight highway. It is observed that the separation between the cars is increasing. Which one of the following statement(s) concerning this situation is necessarily true?

• A. Velocity of both the cars is increasing.
• B. The front car has greater acceleration.
• C. Both the cars may have same acceleration.
• D. The rear car has smaller acceleration.

Answer 1

The correct option is C

Both the cars may have same acceleration.

The explanation for correct option:

Option C:

1. The velocity of the cars may be different even if their accelerations are equal.
2. As long as the velocity of the first car is more than the velocity of the rear car, the distance will increase.

The explanation for incorrect options:

Option A:

1. For the distance between both cars to increase, the velocity of each car need not necessarily increase.
2. The velocity of both cars may decrease.
3. Also, there may be a change in the velocity of only one car.

Option B:

1. Even if the front car has greater acceleration, it doesn't mean the distance will increase.
2. As long as both the cars have constant acceleration, the distance will increase.

Option D:

1. Similar to option B, as long as both the cars have constant acceleration, the distance will increase.

Hence, option C is the correct option.