Newton's Laws — Pushing a box horizontally on a surface

AI Thread Summary
To determine the acceleration of a 490 g box subjected to a horizontal force of 12.8 N and a friction force of 11.2 N, Newton's second law is applied. The net force acting on the box is calculated by subtracting the friction force from the applied force, resulting in a net force of 1.6 N. Dividing this net force by the mass of the box (0.490 kg) yields an acceleration of approximately 3.27 m/s². The calculations confirm the application of Newton's laws in solving the problem. The discussion emphasizes the straightforward nature of the problem using basic physics principles.
adams_695
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Homework Statement
You apply a force of 12.8 N horizontally to a 490 g box that is at rest on a horizontal surface. The friction force between the box and table is 11.2 N. What is the magnitude of the acceleration of the box? (answer to two decimal places. Use m/s^2 as units)
Relevant Equations
Newtons Laws
unsure what process to tackle it.
 
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adams_695 said:
Problem Statement: You apply a force of 12.8 N horizontally to a 490 g box that is at rest on a horizontal surface. The friction force between the box and table is 11.2 N. What is the magnitude of the acceleration of the box? (answer to two decimal places. Use m/s^2 as units)
Relevant Equations: Newtons Laws

unsure what process to tackle it.
Which of Newton’s laws looks appropriate?
 
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haruspex said:
Which of Newton’s laws looks appropriate?

would say second Law. am I right in stating that it's just as simple as the 12.8 - 11.2N friction then dividing by .490kg mass?

which rounded to two decimals equals 3.27m/s^2?
 
adams_695 said:
would say second Law. am I right in stating that it's just as simple as the 12.8 - 11.2N friction then dividing by .490kg mass?

which rounded to two decimals equals 3.27m/s^2?
Yes.
 
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haruspex said:
Yes.

thank you
 
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