A 50 N force gives an object an acceleration of 2.5 m/s^2. If the force is suddenly reduced to 20 N, what is the new acceleration?

Steps please, thank you ^_^"

2 Answers
Oct 10, 2017

a=1ms^(-2)

Explanation:

According to Newton's second law rarr

F=ma........(1).

F=the net force applied

m=the mass

a=the acceleration

1) find the mass

50=2.5m larr From (1).

:.m=50/2.5=20kg

Now whether an object undergoes acceleration or retardation, it's mass remains constant.

2) find the new acceleration

20=20a larr From (1).

a=1ms^(-2) (Answer).

In this case, the object had a retardation.

Hope it Helps:)

Oct 10, 2017

a = 1 ms^-2

Explanation:

F = ma

First case: F = 50N

50N = m \times 2.5 (m/s^2)

Mass m can be found from the above equation as:

m = (50kg(m/s^2)) /( 2.5 m/s^2)

m = 20 kg

Second case:

F = 20N

F = ma

therefore a= F/m

therefore a = (20kg\timesms^-2 )/ (20kg)

therefore a = 1ms^-2