4-9 Force/mass - Newton's Second Law question

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the acceleration of a box subjected to a horizontal force and kinetic friction, applying Newton's Second Law. Given a horizontal force of 412N, a frictional force of 122N, and a mass of 75kg, the net force is calculated as 290N. The acceleration is determined using the formula a = Fnet/m, resulting in an acceleration of approximately 3.87 m/s², which should not be rounded to 4 without considering significant figures.

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Homework Statement




When a horizontal force F is applied to a box having a mass m, the box sides on a level floor, opposed by a force of kinetic friction f.

a. What magnitude of acceleration occurs for the box?
b. Calculate the acceleration if the horizontal force is 412N, friction is 122N, and the mass of the box is 75kg

Homework Equations



It's asking for acceleration, so I am choosing a=Fnet/m for the formula. Now, the problem has a force and friction

F - horizontal force 412N
m - mass 75kg
f - kinetic friction 122N
a - ?

a=F-f/m

The Attempt at a Solution



a = 412N - 122N/75 kg
a = 290N/75 kg
a=3.86 I'm rounding the answer because it's close to four, so a is 4. Is this correct?
 
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well rounding because something is "close" is never correct how many sig. figs. do you have?
 

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