Question

each figure below shows a force measured in newtons pushing on a block. if there are no other forces pushing on the block, in which case is the acceleration of the block greatest? a 4 newtons 4 kilograms b 1 newton 4 kilograms c 4 newtons 1 kilogram d 1 newton 1 kilogram

Explanation:

Step1: Recall Newton's second - law formula

$F = ma$, where $F$ is force, $m$ is mass and $a$ is acceleration. So, $a=\frac{F}{m}$.

Step2: Calculate acceleration for case A

$F = 4N$, $m = 4kg$, $a_A=\frac{4N}{4kg}=1m/s^{2}$.

Step3: Calculate acceleration for case B

$F = 1N$, $m = 4kg$, $a_B=\frac{1N}{4kg}=0.25m/s^{2}$.

Step4: Calculate acceleration for case C

$F = 4N$, $m = 1kg$, $a_C=\frac{4N}{1kg}=4m/s^{2}$.

Step5: Calculate acceleration for case D

$F = 1N$, $m = 1kg$, $a_D=\frac{1N}{1kg}=1m/s^{2}$.

Answer:

C