A constant force applied to A causes A to accelerate at 5 m/s^2 . The same force applied to B causes an acceleration of 4 m/s^2.
What is the ratio mA/mB of the mass of A to the mass of B?

Question

A constant force applied to A causes A to accelerate at 5 m/s^2 . The same force applied to B causes an acceleration of 4 m/s^2.
What is the ratio mA/mB of the mass of A to the mass of  B?

ash2326 · Answer

revo you know the relation between force, mass and acceleration?

anonymous · Answer

yes, F=m*a

ash2326 · Answer

For the first body, let mass be m1 and write the relation

anonymous · Answer

A = m1*a = m1(5 m/s^2)
B = m2*b = m2(4m/s^2), right?

ash2326 · Answer

yeah , correct, but you know the force applied to them is same, so assume A=B

anonymous · Answer

m1(5 m/s^2) = m2 (4 m/s^2)

ash2326 · Answer

now find m1/m2, that's your answer

anonymous · Answer

is it (5 m/s^2) / (4 m/s^2) = 1.25?

ash2326 · Answer

oh, you need to find m1/m2
we have
m1*5=m2*4
so 
m1/m2=4/5=0.8

anonymous · Answer

oh, I see, thank you very much!

ash2326 · Answer

welcome but you did everything, great work:)