At what rate does the mass accelerate?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on calculating the acceleration of a 10 kg mass when a 100 N force is applied. The correct acceleration, assuming no friction, is 10 m/s², derived from Newton's second law (F=ma). The initial confusion about the acceleration being 5 m/s² is clarified by emphasizing that the calculation directly yields 10 m/s². The possibility of friction affecting the acceleration is briefly mentioned but not elaborated upon. Overall, the straightforward application of the formula confirms the acceleration as 10 m/s².
cchabound27
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Can someone help explain this question to me, i know the answer to be 5 m/s^2 but thought it was 10 m/s^2. An anstronaut on the moon applies a 100 N horizontal force to a 10 kg mass at rest on a table. At what rate does the mass accelerate?
 
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The answer is 10m/s^2 assuming no friction. Perhaps there's some friction? Otherwise, by straightforward application of F=ma gives a=F/m=100N/10kg=10m/s^2
 

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