Finding Acceleration: Mass Ratio & Force Applied to Particles

[SalsaOnMyTaco]

Homework Statement

A certain Force applied to a particle of m1 gives it an acceleration of 20m/s². The same Force applied to a particle of m2 gives it an acceleration of 30m/s². If the two particles are glued together and the same force is applied to the combination, find the acceleration.

Homework Equations

F=ma

The Attempt at a Solution

m2/m1=a2/a1 would be helpful if a mass was given. No idea how to set up this problem.

 

[SammyS]

Homework Statement

A certain Force applied to a particle of m1 gives it an acceleration of 20m/s². The same Force applied to a particle of m2 gives it an acceleration of 30m/s². If the two particles are glued together and the same force is applied to the combination, find the acceleration.

Homework Equations

F=ma

The Attempt at a Solution

m2/m1=a2/a1 would be helpful if a mass was given. No idea how to set up this problem.

Have you learned that acceleration is directly proportional to force, and inversely proportional to mass ?

 

[SalsaOnMyTaco]

Yes, when mass increases, acceleration decreases/Mass decreases, acceleration increases.

 

[SammyS]

Yes, when mass increases, acceleration decreases/Mass decreases, acceleration increases.

So, m₂/m₁=a₂/a₁ is incorrect.

Why not use F = ma for each particle:

The force is the same for each particle. That should give you a correct relation among m₂, m₁, a₂, and a₁ .