Why Does a Motorcycle Accelerate Faster Than a Large Truck?

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A motorcycle accelerates faster than a large truck due to its lower mass, resulting in less resistance to changes in speed. According to Newton's second law, acceleration is inversely proportional to mass, as expressed in the formula a = F/m. The discussion also touches on momentum, defined as mass times velocity, and its relationship with acceleration. The connection between momentum and Newton's second law is highlighted, emphasizing that net force equals mass times acceleration. Understanding these principles clarifies why lighter vehicles can achieve greater acceleration.
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Homework Statement

Use the concepts of momentum and Newton’s second law to explain why a motorcycle can accelerate at a greater rate than a large truck.



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The Attempt at a Solution


The motorcycle will accelerate at a greater rate because of the truck has a greater mass (greater resistance to a change in speed.) This increased rate of acceleration is mathematically proven by the formula a= F/m, which states acceleration is inversely proportional to the mass.

I'm not sure how to add momentum into this paragraph. Is this answer good enough?
 
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Can you link momentum with Newton's 2nd law?
 
thrill3rnit3 said:
Can you link momentum with Newton's 2nd law?

I'm not sure how to.
 
Momentum is defined as mass times velocity.
Acceleration is defined as the change in velocity divided by the change in time.

net force = mass times acceleration
 

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