Solving for Mass of Block of Ice w/ Newton's 2nd Law

In summary: So the equations should be:average velocity = (v+u)/2average velocity = (4.4+0)/2 = 2.2s = vt11 = 2.2tt = 5ss = ut + 1/2 at^211 = 0 + 1/2 x 0.88 x 2511 = 11This shows that both equations give the same answer for the constant acceleration (a) and therefore the mass of the block can be calculated using the equation: F = ma80 = m x 0.88m = 90.9kgIn summary, the block of ice has a mass of
  • #1
PhyIsOhSoHard
158
0

Homework Statement


A dockworker applies a constant horizontal force of 80 N to a block of ice on a smooth horizontal floor. The fritional force is negligible. The block starts from rest and moves 11 meter in 5 seconds.

What is the mass of the block of ice?


Homework Equations


Newton's second law:
[itex]\Sigma F=ma[/itex]
[itex]v^2_x=v^2_{0x}+2a_x(x-x_0)[/itex]
[itex]v_x=v_{0x}+a_xt[/itex]

The Attempt at a Solution


[itex]\Sigma F=80N[/itex]
[itex]v_x=\frac{11m}{5s}=2.2m/s[/itex]
[itex]v_{0x}=0m/s[/itex]
[itex]x=x_0+v_{0x}t+1/2a_xt^2[/itex]

Now in order to use Newton's second law, I need to find the acceleration.
My question is, why can't I use all 3 of the formulas?

When I use the first formula:
[itex](2.2m/s)^2=0+2a_x(11m)[/itex]
Which gives: [itex]a_x=\frac{(2.2m/s)^2}{2\cdot 11m}=0.22m/s^2[/itex]

But if I use the 2nd formula:
[itex]2.2m/s=0+a_x\cdot 5s[/itex]
Which gives: [itex]a_x=\frac{2.2m/s}{5s}=0.44m/s^2[/itex]

And if I use the 3rd formula:
[itex]11m=0t+1/2a_x\cdot (5s)^2[/itex]
Which gives: [itex]a_x=\frac{11m}{1/2\cdot (5s)^2}=0.88m/s^2[/itex]

What's the difference between the three formulas? Why do I get different accelerations?
 
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  • #2


PhyIsOhSoHard said:

Homework Statement


A dockworker applies a constant horizontal force of 80 N to a block of ice on a smooth horizontal floor. The fritional force is negligible. The block starts from rest and moves 11 meter in 5 seconds.

What is the mass of the block of ice?


Homework Equations


Newton's second law:
[itex]\Sigma F=ma[/itex]
[itex]v^2_x=v^2_{0x}+2a_x(x-x_0)[/itex]
[itex]v_x=v_{0x}+a_xt[/itex]

The Attempt at a Solution


[itex]\Sigma F=80N[/itex]
[itex]v_x=\frac{11m}{5s}=2.2m/s[/itex]
[itex]v_{0x}=0m/s[/itex]

Now in order to use Newton's second law, I need to find the acceleration.
My question is, why can't I use both of the formulas?

When I use the first formula:
[itex](2.2m/s)^2=0+2a_x(11m)[/itex]
Which gives: [itex]a_x=\frac{(2.2m/s)^2}{2\cdot 11m}=0.22m/s^2[/itex]

But if I use the other formula:
[itex]2.2m/s=0+a_x\cdot 5s[/itex]
Which gives: [itex]a_x=\frac{2.2m/s}{5s}=0.44m/s^2[/itex]

What's the difference between the two formulas? Why do I get different accelerations?

Your [itex]V_x[/itex] is average velocity and not final velocity.
 
  • #3


hqjb said:
Your [itex]V_x[/itex] is average velocity and not final velocity.

I've updated my 1st post with another equation. According to my book, it says the 3rd equation is the correct with the acceleration being 0.88 m/s^2

But that is the average velocity as well?
 
  • #4


PhyIsOhSoHard said:

Homework Statement


A dockworker applies a constant horizontal force of 80 N to a block of ice on a smooth horizontal floor. The frictional force is negligible. The block starts from rest and moves 11 meter in 5 seconds.

What is the mass of the block of ice?


Homework Equations


Newton's second law:
[itex]\Sigma F=ma[/itex]
[itex]v^2_x=v^2_{0x}+2a_x(x-x_0)[/itex]
[itex]v_x=v_{0x}+a_xt[/itex]

The Attempt at a Solution


[itex]\Sigma F=80N[/itex]
[itex]v_x=\frac{11m}{5s}=2.2m/s[/itex]
[itex]v_{0x}=0m/s[/itex]

Now in order to use Newton's second law, I need to find the acceleration.
My question is, why can't I use both of the formulas?

When I use the first formula:
[itex](2.2m/s)^2=0+2a_x(11m)[/itex]
Which gives: [itex]a_x=\frac{(2.2m/s)^2}{2\cdot 11m}=0.22m/s^2[/itex]

But if I use the other formula:
[itex]2.2m/s=0+a_x\cdot 5s[/itex]
Which gives: [itex]a_x=\frac{2.2m/s}{5s}=0.44m/s^2[/itex]

What's the difference between the two formulas? Why do I get different accelerations?
[itex]v_x[/itex] is the final velocity of the block,

whereas [itex]22 \text{m/s}[/itex] is the average velocity of the block.

For constant acceleration, the average velocity is given by: [itex]\displaystyle v_\text{Average}=\frac{v_x+{v_0}_x}{2}\ .[/itex]
 
  • #5


PhyIsOhSoHard said:
I've updated my 1st post with another equation. According to my book, it says the 3rd equation is the correct with the acceleration being 0.88 m/s^2

But that is the average velocity as well?

The third equation is [itex]S = V_{0x}t + \frac{1}{2}at^2[/itex]
where S = distance, V0x = initial velocity a = constant acc. t = time, no final velocity needed.

Acceleration is constant therefore, velocity is changing throughout, the actual final velocity is not given in the question and can be calculated using v = u + at to be 4.4m/s
 

1. How does Newton's 2nd Law apply to solving for the mass of a block of ice?

Newton's 2nd Law states that the force applied to an object is equal to its mass multiplied by its acceleration. In the case of a block of ice, we can use this law to determine its mass by measuring the force needed to accelerate it and its resulting acceleration.

2. What equipment is needed to conduct an experiment using Newton's 2nd Law to solve for the mass of a block of ice?

To conduct an experiment using Newton's 2nd Law, you will need a block of ice, a flat surface, a force sensor, and a device to measure acceleration such as a motion sensor or stopwatch.

3. How do you calculate the acceleration of a block of ice?

The acceleration of a block of ice can be calculated by dividing the force applied to it by its mass. This can be done using the formula a = F/m, where "a" is the acceleration in m/s^2, "F" is the force in Newtons, and "m" is the mass in kilograms.

4. Can Newton's 2nd Law be used to solve for the mass of any object?

Yes, Newton's 2nd Law can be used to solve for the mass of any object as long as we know the force applied to it and its resulting acceleration.

5. Are there any factors that can affect the accuracy of using Newton's 2nd Law to solve for the mass of a block of ice?

Yes, there are several factors that can affect the accuracy of using Newton's 2nd Law to solve for the mass of a block of ice. These include friction between the block of ice and the surface it is on, air resistance, and the precision of the equipment used to measure the force and acceleration.

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