PhysicsLAB: Test Scenario: Two Crates

Refer to the following information for the next ten questions.

Two identical wooden crates are initially at rest on a horizontal parking lot at the edge of a steep cliff. One crate is filled with books and the other is filled with glassware. For simplicity, we assume that the crate with the books has twice as much mass as the one filled with glassware.

Equal constant forces are applied to each crate and they accelerate across equal distances (we will ignore the effects of friction). When they reach the far end of the parking lot each force is suddenly removed, whereupon the crates sail through the air and crash to the ground below (we will ignore any drag forces acting on either crate as it moves through the air).

Which crate has the greater kinetic energy at the edge of the cliff?

Which crate experienced the smaller acceleration across the parking lot?

Which crate required less time to cross the parking lot?

Which crate has the greater momentum at the edge of the cliff?

Which crate had acquired the greater velocity upon reaching the edge of the cliff?

Which crate had the greater potential energy as it starting falling off the cliff?

After leaving the edge of the parking lot, which crate required more time to fall to the ground?

Which crate achieved the greater range after flying off the cliff?

Which crate will hit the ground at the steepest angle?

Which crate had the greater impact velocity with the ground?