Q8DQ - University Physics with Modern Physics

Question

A driver in Massachusetts was sent to traffic court for speeding. The evidence against the driver was that a policewoman observed the driver’s car alongside a second car at a certain moment, and the policewoman had already clocked the second car going faster than the speed limit. The driver argued, “The second car was passing me. I was not speeding.” The judge ruled against the driver because, in the judge’s words, “If two cars were side by side, both of you were speeding.” If you were a lawyer representing the accused driver, how would you argue this case?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

If the two cars are side by side, it does not mean that they are moving at the same speed.

Step 1: Understand the question

The question asks: A driver in Massachusetts was sent to traffic court for speeding. The evidence against the driver was that a policewoman observed the driver’s car alongside a second car at a certain moment, and the policewoman had already clocked the second car going faster than the speed limit. The driver argued,

Step 2: Apply Physics knowledge

Using fundamental Physics concepts to analyze the problem.

Step 3: Formulate the answer

If the two cars are side by side, it does not mean that they are moving at the same speed.

Step 4: Conclude

The answer is: If the two cars are side by side, it does not mean that they are moving at the same speed.