Calculating Acceleration Force: How Much Mass Can a Given Force Accelerate?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating acceleration force using the formula F = ma, where F represents force, m represents mass, and a represents acceleration. It specifically examines a scenario where a force accelerates 4.5 kg at 40 m/s² and seeks to determine how much mass can be accelerated by the same force when the mass is increased to 18 kg. The method m1a1 = F = m2a2 is introduced for solving the problem, demonstrating the relationship between mass and acceleration under a constant force.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's Second Law of Motion (F = ma)
  • Basic algebra for solving equations
  • Knowledge of units of measurement (kilograms, meters per second squared)
  • Familiarity with the concept of force and acceleration
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of Newton's Second Law in real-world applications
  • Explore advanced topics in dynamics, such as friction and air resistance
  • Learn about vector forces and their impact on acceleration
  • Investigate the relationship between mass, force, and acceleration in different gravitational fields
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics, engineers working on motion-related projects, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of force and acceleration in mechanics.

Gashouse
Messages
10
Reaction score
0
If a force accelerates 4.5 kg at 40 m/s ^2, that same force would accelerate 18 kg how much?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Force equals mass times acceleration! (F= ma)

If m= 4.5 kg and a= 10 m/s2, what is F?

Now, using that same force, but m= 18kg, solve F= ma for a.

A slightly more sophisticated method is to say m1a1= F= m2a2.

That is (4.5)(10)= (18)(a).
 
HallsofIvy

Thanks again for the instruction, that made more sense to me. Thanks in advance.
 

Similar threads

Explain why applying different forces to objects of different masses result in different accelerations
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Distribution of Energy when work is done on a system of 2 masses connected by a spring
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
Why Does the Second Block Accelerate Without an Apparent Force?
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
Force and Kinematics -- Accelerating a 10kg box vertically
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
How much force does the 20 kg block exert on the 10 kg block?
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
Solving for Work Done When Accelerating a Mass
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
930
Find the acceleration of the system (2 blocks sliding on a table)
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
2K
Calculating acceleration of a prism and block connected to a wall through a rope and pulley
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
861
Newton's laws of motion -- Force of gravity on a skydiver
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Angular velocity- A toy train rolls around a horizontal track
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
969