In the figure, m₁ = 3 kg, m₂ = 8 kg, and M₃ = 4 kg. The forces are ₁ = 1 N + 1 N , ₂ = 1 N + 1 N , and ₃ = -2 N . The acceleration of the center of mass is approximately A) 0.13 m/s² B) 0.13 m/s² at an angle of 45º with the x axis C) 0.13 m/s² D) 0.27 m/s² at an angle of 45º with the x axis E) 0.27 m/s²

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

We have to find the acceleration of the center of mass, which is given by: a = (F_net) / M_total where F_net is the net force acting on the system, and M_total is the total mass of the system. In this case, we have: F_net = F_₁ + F_₂ + F_₃ = (1N + 1N - 2N) = 0N since the net force is zero, the acceleration of the center of mass is also zero. Therefore, choices A and B, which give non-zero acceleration, are incorrect. Choice D gives an acceleration that is more than double of that given by choice C, which is also incorrect. Hence, the answer is choice C, 0.13 m/s^2, as it is the only option that gives zero net force and therefore zero acceleration for the center of mass.

In the Figure, M1 = 3 Kg, M2 = 8

In the Figure, M₁ = 3 Kg, M₂ = 8