Solving for Acceleration: Mass, Air Resistance, and Cliff Falls

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the acceleration of a 33 kg rock falling from a cliff, with an opposing air resistance of 239 N. According to Newton's 2nd Law, the net force acting on the rock must be determined by subtracting the air resistance from the gravitational force. The gravitational force is calculated as 33 kg multiplied by 9.81 m/s², resulting in a net force of 33 kg * 9.81 m/s² - 239 N. This yields an acceleration of approximately 0.5 m/s² downward.

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A rock of mass 33 kg accidentally breaks loose from the edge of a cliff and falls straight down. The magnitude of the air resistance that opposes its downward motion is 239 N. What is the magnitude of the acceleration of the rock?

I tried a=239*33 and I got 7.24 but that was wrong. Please help. I don't know what else to do.
 
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What are the forces acting on the block?

What does Newton's 2nd law state?
 
Did you draw a free body diagram of the falling rock including all forces acting upon the rock?

Did you write out [itex]\sum \vec F=m\vec a[/itex]? I'm sure if you do the above and sum the forces you'll get the correct answer.
 

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