How Do You Calculate Initial Acceleration in Newton's Laws Problems?

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the initial acceleration of the ice skater when the wind begins to blow, the force exerted by the wind (2.1 N) is divided by the mass of the skater (56 kg). Using the formula a = f/m, the initial acceleration is found to be approximately 0.0375 m/s². The skater's initial velocity of 0.5 m/s does not affect the calculation of initial acceleration, which is solely based on the net force and mass. The problem was resolved by applying Newton's second law of motion. This demonstrates the straightforward application of physics principles in solving real-world problems.
Bensky
Messages
82
Reaction score
0
[SOLVED] Need help on a Newton's Laws problem :(

Homework Statement



A 56 kg ice skater holds up a large sheet of cardboard that can catch the wind and drive her (frictionlessly) across the ice. While she's moving at 0.5 m/s, a wind that is constant and horizontal for 5.0 s exerts a force on the cardboard of 2.1 N. What is the skater's initial acceleration once the wind begins to blow?

Homework Equations


f=ma
a=change in velocity/change in time


The Attempt at a Solution



I'm not sure how to find the initial acceleration. I know how to find the average acceleration though.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Nevermind, figured it out on my own:
Just have to do: 2.1/56

>_< why did i think this was hard...
 

Thread 'Struggling to understand the concept of this question (ice cube in water optics question)'

TL;DR Summary: I came across this question from a Sri Lankan A-level textbook. Question - An ice cube with a length of 10 cm is immersed in water at 0 °C. An observer observes the ice cube from the water, and it seems to be 7.75 cm long. If the refractive index of water is 4/3, find the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. I could not understand how the apparent height of the ice cube in the water depends on the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. Does anyone have an...
View full post »
Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Starting with the mass considerations #m(t)# is mass of water #M_{c}# mass of container and #M(t)# mass of total system $$M(t) = M_{C} + m(t)$$ $$\Rightarrow \frac{dM(t)}{dt} = \frac{dm(t)}{dt}$$ $$P_i = Mv + u \, dm$$ $$P_f = (M + dm)(v + dv)$$ $$\Delta P = M \, dv + (v - u) \, dm$$ $$F = \frac{dP}{dt} = M \frac{dv}{dt} + (v - u) \frac{dm}{dt}$$ $$F = u \frac{dm}{dt} = \rho A u^2$$ from conservation of momentum , the cannon recoils with the same force which it applies. $$\quad \frac{dm}{dt}...
View full post »

Similar threads

Rocket acceleration problem: confused about Newton's 2nd Law
Replies
42
Views
5K
Newton's law problem: Pushing 2 stacked blocks on a horizontal table
Replies
13
Views
3K
Newton's law problem: Helicopter lifting a box with a rope
Replies
5
Views
3K
Using Newton's 2nd Law to find acceleration
Replies
5
Views
4K
Problem applying Newtons third law
Replies
2
Views
2K
Newton's Third Law Problem: Two masses, a rope and a pulley
Replies
21
Views
10K
Does the mass of an object affect its inertia?
Replies
6
Views
2K
Understanding Newton's Third Law in Action: A Truck Pushing an SUV
Replies
4
Views
2K
Newton's Third Law: Acceleration of box and worker
Replies
2
Views
5K
Explain what laws of physics were violated in this scenario....
Replies
10
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top