A 3 kg block is on a table and a horizontal force of 15 N is applied. If the frictional force is 5 N, what is the acceleration of the block?
Correct Answer: 3.33 m/s²
- Step 1: Identify the mass of the block, which is 3 kg.
- Step 2: Identify the applied force, which is 15 N.
- Step 3: Identify the frictional force, which is 5 N.
- Step 4: Calculate the net force by subtracting the frictional force from the applied force: Net force = 15 N - 5 N.
- Step 5: Perform the subtraction: 15 N - 5 N = 10 N.
- Step 6: Use the formula for acceleration, which is a = F/m, where F is the net force and m is the mass.
- Step 7: Substitute the values into the formula: a = 10 N / 3 kg.
- Step 8: Perform the division: 10 N / 3 kg = 3.33 m/s².
- Newton's Second Law – The relationship between force, mass, and acceleration, expressed as F = ma.
- Net Force Calculation – Understanding how to calculate the net force acting on an object by subtracting friction from the applied force.
- Frictional Force – Recognizing the role of friction in opposing motion and how it affects the net force.