Find mass given acceleration and upward force

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the mass of a body given an upward force of 10N and a downward acceleration of 5 m/s². Using Newton's second law, F=ma, the resultant force is determined by subtracting the weight (mg) from the upward force. The correct approach involves applying the equation ∑F = m*a to find the mass.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Familiarity with force equations (F=ma, W=mg)
  • Basic knowledge of vector addition in physics
  • Ability to manipulate algebraic equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of Newton's second law in various scenarios
  • Learn about free body diagrams to visualize forces acting on an object
  • Explore the concept of net force and its calculation
  • Investigate the relationship between mass, weight, and acceleration due to gravity
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those tackling mechanics problems involving forces and mass calculations.

zonesthesia93
Messages
1
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Find the mass of the body when:
upward force is 10N
downward force unknown (mg N)
acceleration 5ms^-2 downwards


Homework Equations


F=ma
W=mg


The Attempt at a Solution


Need to work out the resultant force?? Then find the mass from there...


Thank you!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
That's correct.
Remember that \sum \vec{F}=m\vec{a}
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

Similar threads

  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
4K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
1K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
42
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K