A 500-N force is required to accelerate a car from rest to 3.9 m/s in 12 seconds. We estimate the mass of the car to be
A) 5000 kg.
B) 2500 kg.
C) 4500 kg.
D) 1500 kg.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Using Newton's second law, F = ma, where F is the force, m is the mass, and a is the acceleration. First, calculate the acceleration: a = (final velocity - initial velocity) / time = (3.9 m/s - 0 m/s) / 12 s = 0.325 m/s². Then, solve for mass: m = F / a = 500 N / 0.325 m/s² = 1538.46 kg, which is closest to 1500 kg.

A 500-N Force Is Required to Accelerate a Car from Rest