At what rate does the mass accelerate?

In summary, acceleration is directly proportional to mass, and the formula for calculating it is a = F/m. The rate of acceleration is constant for a given force, but objects with larger masses will have slower acceleration. Mass cannot accelerate on its own and requires an external force. Acceleration is typically measured in meters per second squared (m/s²) or feet per second squared (ft/s²).
  • #1
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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  • #2


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
 

1. How is acceleration related to mass?

Acceleration is directly proportional to mass, meaning that the more mass an object has, the more force is needed to accelerate it.

2. What is the formula for calculating acceleration?

The formula for acceleration is a = F/m, where a is the acceleration, F is the force acting on the object, and m is the mass of the object.

3. How does the rate of acceleration change with different masses?

The rate of acceleration is constant for a given force, but the object with a larger mass will have a slower acceleration compared to an object with a smaller mass.

4. Can mass accelerate on its own?

No, mass cannot accelerate on its own. An external force is needed to cause acceleration in an object.

5. What units are used to measure acceleration?

Acceleration is typically measured in meters per second squared (m/s²) in the SI system, or in feet per second squared (ft/s²) in the imperial system.

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