Solve Standard Mech Q: Acceleration & Distance in 2 Seconds

  • Thread starter discombobulated
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Standard
In summary, the conversation is about calculating the acceleration and distance traveled of a 0.5kg ball being pulled by a 0.75N tension in a smooth horizontal floor. The first part involves using the formula F-0.75 = ma, while the second part involves determining if the ball is rolling or being dragged. It is clarified that it is actually a bag being pulled across the floor and the acceleration is determined to be 1.5.
  • #1
discombobulated
41
0
hi this is a simple question but for some reason it's not clicking.

A ball of mass 0.5kg is pulled across a smooth horizontal floor by a horizontal string attached to the dog. The tension in the string is 0.75N. Calculate the acceleration produced. Given the ball starts from rest, determine how far it will move in 2 seconds.

I know how to do the second part but some help would be appreciated on the first bit please.

F resultant = F - T
F-0.75 = ma
a = F- 0.75 /0.5
errm...and then?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Is the ball rolling? or is it dragging across the floor? Some coeffeciant of friction would be needed if it was being dragged.
 
  • #3
oops sorry i didn't read the question properly, it's actually a bag and it's being pulled across.
 
  • #4
Since the floor is smooth, I would assume that the only horizontal force acting on the bag is the tension in the string, which is given.
 
  • #5
Of course, because then the acceleration = 1.5 which is correct.

Thanks!
 

1. What is the formula for calculating acceleration?

The formula for calculating acceleration is acceleration = (final velocity - initial velocity) / time. This is known as the average acceleration formula, where time is represented in seconds and velocity in meters per second.

2. How do you calculate distance using acceleration and time?

To calculate distance using acceleration and time, you can use the formula distance = (1/2) * acceleration * time^2. This is known as the displacement formula, where time is represented in seconds and acceleration in meters per second squared.

3. What is the standard unit for acceleration?

The standard unit for acceleration is meters per second squared (m/s^2). This represents the change in velocity over time and is commonly used in physics and engineering.

4. Can acceleration be negative?

Yes, acceleration can be negative. This typically occurs when an object is slowing down or decelerating. In this case, the velocity is decreasing, resulting in a negative acceleration value.

5. How can acceleration affect an object's distance traveled in 2 seconds?

Acceleration can greatly affect an object's distance traveled in 2 seconds. The greater the acceleration, the further the object will travel in 2 seconds. This is because acceleration is a measure of how quickly an object's velocity is changing, so a larger acceleration will result in a greater change in velocity and therefore a greater change in distance traveled.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
883
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
13
Views
4K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
4K
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • Special and General Relativity
3
Replies
75
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
30
Views
4K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
2K
Back
Top