How Do You Calculate Initial Acceleration in Newton's Laws Problems?

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the initial acceleration of the ice skater when the wind begins to blow, the force exerted by the wind (2.1 N) is divided by the mass of the skater (56 kg). Using the formula a = f/m, the initial acceleration is found to be approximately 0.0375 m/s². The skater's initial velocity of 0.5 m/s does not affect the calculation of initial acceleration, which is solely based on the net force and mass. The problem was resolved by applying Newton's second law of motion. This demonstrates the straightforward application of physics principles in solving real-world problems.
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[SOLVED] Need help on a Newton's Laws problem :(

Homework Statement



A 56 kg ice skater holds up a large sheet of cardboard that can catch the wind and drive her (frictionlessly) across the ice. While she's moving at 0.5 m/s, a wind that is constant and horizontal for 5.0 s exerts a force on the cardboard of 2.1 N. What is the skater's initial acceleration once the wind begins to blow?

Homework Equations


f=ma
a=change in velocity/change in time


The Attempt at a Solution



I'm not sure how to find the initial acceleration. I know how to find the average acceleration though.
 
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Nevermind, figured it out on my own:
Just have to do: 2.1/56

>_< why did i think this was hard...
 
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