In a lab, a block weighing 80 N is attached to a spring scale, and both are pulled to the right on a horizontal surface. Friction between the block and the surface is negligible. What is the acceleration of the block when the scale reads 32N?

Question

In a lab, a block weighing 80 N is attached to a spring scale, and both are pulled to the right on a horizontal surface.  Friction between the block and the surface is negligible. What is the acceleration of the block when the scale reads 32N?

anonymous · Answer

do you mean, "what would the acceleration be if the block were relased when the scale reads 32N?"

anonymous · Answer

yes

goformit100 · Answer

First Read :: http://www.fullmarks.org/images/stories/studytips/physics-xi-xii.pdf

anonymous · Answer

one second and i'll help ya...

anonymous · Answer

are you guys working with conservation of energy right now or forces? just so I can answer in the right terms for you.

anonymous · Answer

forces

anonymous · Answer

k,
recall that F = mass * acceleration?
and that 80N = mass * 9.81?
and that Spring Force  32N= k*x?

anonymous · Answer

I still don't get how i'd incorporate 32N

anonymous · Answer

So the 32N helps us figure out how much force is being applied to the block that weighs 80N (which is 8.15kg)

anonymous · Answer

Okay, thank you so much for the help!!

anonymous · Answer

hint - the acceleration should be between 2 and 4 if you did it correctly (and if I understnd it correctly!)

anonymous · Answer

yah, i got 4, thnks again

anonymous · Answer

boo ya!