Force, Mass, & Acceleration: Solving the Puzzle

AI Thread Summary
A force acting on a 2 kg mass produces an acceleration of 3 m/s², leading to a calculated force of 6 N. When this force is applied to a 1 kg mass, it results in an acceleration of 6 m/s², and for a 4 kg mass, the acceleration is 1.5 m/s². The discussion highlights the use of Newton's second law, which states that force equals mass times acceleration (F = m × a). A participant expresses initial confusion about the formulas but gains clarity through the explanation. The conversation concludes with a sense of relief and understanding regarding the problem-solving process.
softball1394
Messages
13
Reaction score
0
1. A force acts on a 2 kg mass and gives it an acceleration of 3 m/s^2. What acceleration is produced by the same force when acting on a mass of (a) 1 kg? (b) 4 kg? (c) How large is the force?
Answers: (a) 6 m/s^2 (b) 1.5 m/s^2 (c) 6 N




2. -



3. I can't figure out what formula to use and, thus, how to show work. I'm in 11th grade and just start AP Physics two weeks ago. Let's just say I'm extremely confused. Thanks for the help! :)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
What law relates force, mass, and acceleration?
 
I'm pretty sure it's Newton's second law.
 
softball1394 said:
I'm pretty sure it's Newton's second law.
Exactly! That's all you need to solve this problem.
 
so would it be...
f = m x a
f = 2 x 3
f = 6

(a)
f= m x a
6= 1 x a
a = 6

(b)
f= m x a
6= 4 x a
a= 1.5

(c)
f= 6N

Oh, wow. That was a lot easier than I thought ahah. Thanks!
 
Looks like you got it. :approve:
 
Kindly see the attached pdf. My attempt to solve it, is in it. I'm wondering if my solution is right. My idea is this: At any point of time, the ball may be assumed to be at an incline which is at an angle of θ(kindly see both the pics in the pdf file). The value of θ will continuously change and so will the value of friction. I'm not able to figure out, why my solution is wrong, if it is wrong .
TL;DR Summary: I came across this question from a Sri Lankan A-level textbook. Question - An ice cube with a length of 10 cm is immersed in water at 0 °C. An observer observes the ice cube from the water, and it seems to be 7.75 cm long. If the refractive index of water is 4/3, find the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. I could not understand how the apparent height of the ice cube in the water depends on the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. Does anyone have an...
Back
Top