Question

If you push a 4.0-kg mass with the same force that you push a 10-kg mass from rest,
A) the 10-kg mass accelerates 2.5 times faster than the 4.0-kg mass.
B) the 4.0-kg mass accelerates 2.5 times faster than the 10-kg mass.
C) Both masses accelerate at the same rate.
D) None of the above is true

Please show proof of your answer

Answer 1

The answer is B). using Newtons laws of motion we have the relationship between force and mass given by (force) = (mass) X (acceleration) or F = m x a. Now for our problem we have two masses, lets call m1=4kg, and m2=10kg. since the force pushing both masses is the same we have F = m1 x a1 = m2 x a2, where a1 and a2 are the accelerations of m1 and m2 respectively.

Now since the force is equal, m1 x a1 = m2 x a2
4kg x a1 = 10kg x a2
therefore, a1/a2 = 10kg/4kg
and a1/a2 = 2,5.

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

i would like you to think beyond equation qualitatively as well

if you pushed a big truck ... and pushed a bicycle.. which one would get accelerated more? ;-).

Answer 3

seems to make sense. i figured it was b but i wasn't sure how to prove it mathematically

Answer 4

Cool. Ya need to improve ya math mattw20 but if you perservere you will excell. Practice makes perfect.