what would the reading on the scale if the boxcar were moving at a constant velcity
To determine the reading on the scale when a boxcar is moving at a constant velocity, we need to understand the basic principles of forces and motion.
When an object is at rest or moving at a constant velocity, the net force acting on the object is equal to zero. In this case, if the boxcar is moving at a constant velocity, it means that the forces acting on it must be balanced.
If the boxcar is on a scale, the scale provides a normal force that counteracts the weight of the boxcar, which is the force due to gravity. The normal force and the weight are equal in magnitude but opposite in direction.
So, when the boxcar is at rest or moving at a constant velocity, the normal force provided by the scale will be equal to the weight of the boxcar. Therefore, the reading on the scale will be equal to the weight of the boxcar.
To find the weight of the boxcar, you would need to know the mass of the boxcar and the gravitational acceleration. The weight can be calculated using the formula: weight = mass × gravitational acceleration.