A 10-N block and a 1-N block lie on a horizontal frictionless table.To provide them with equal horizontal acceleration,we would have to push with
A)equal forces on each block.
B)10 times as much force on the heavier block.
C)10 squared or 100 times as much force on the heavier block.
D)1/10 as much force on the heavier block.
E)none of these

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to Newton's second law, F = ma. To achieve the same acceleration (a) for both blocks, the force (F) applied must be proportional to their masses. Since the 10-N block has 10 times the weight (and thus mass) of the 1-N block, it requires 10 times the force to achieve the same acceleration.

A 10-N Block and a 1-N Block Lie on a Horizontal