A 10-kg and a 4-kg mass are acted on by the same size net force (which remains constant)for the same period of time.Which one of the following statements is true?
A)The acceleration of the10-kg mass is 2.5 times greater than the acceleration of the 4-kg mass.
B)The acceleration of the 4-kg mass is 2.5 times greater than the acceleration of the 10-kg mass.
C)Both masses accelerate at the same rate.
D)The answer will depend on the length of the time interval.
E)None are correct.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to Newton's second law of motion, $F = ma$, where $F$ is the force applied, $m$ is the mass, and $a$ is the acceleration. If the same force is applied to both masses, the acceleration is inversely proportional to the mass. Therefore, the 4-kg mass will have a greater acceleration than the 10-kg mass. Specifically, the acceleration of the 4-kg mass will be $2.5$ times greater than that of the 10-kg mass, because $10 \div 4 = 2.5$.

A 10-Kg and a 4-Kg Mass Are Acted on by the Same