Calculating Acceleration with Force and Mass

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the acceleration of the weather balloon and instruments, the net force must be considered, which includes both the upward force and the downward gravitational force. The upward force exerted by the balloon is 109 N, while the weight of the instruments, calculated as mass times gravitational acceleration (4.8 kg * 9.81 m/s^2), is approximately 47.1 N. The net force acting on the system is therefore 109 N - 47.1 N, resulting in a net force of 61.9 N. Using the equation F = ma, the acceleration can be calculated as a = 61.9 N / 4.8 kg, yielding an acceleration of approximately 12.9 m/s^2. It is crucial to account for all forces acting on the system to determine the correct acceleration.
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Homework Statement



The instruments attached to a weather balloon in the figure below have a mass(m) of 4.8 kg. The balloon is released and exerts an upward force(F) of 109 N on the instruments. What is the acceleration of the balloon and instruments?


Homework Equations



F = ma

The Attempt at a Solution



F = ma
109N = (4.8 kg)(a)
a = 109N / 4.8kg
a = 22.7 m/s^2

I got this answer, but its not the right answer.
 
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Remember that it is the sum of the forces that equals ma. You have not added up all the forces. There is one very important force that you have forgot about. What else is pulling on the system?
 
oh right, i got it. thank you
 

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