Question

four model rockets are launched in a field. the mass of each rocket and the net force acting on it when it launches are given in the table below.

rocket	mass (kg)	force (n)
2	3.25	120
3	5.50	120
4	4.50	120

which rocket has the highest acceleration?

a. rocket 1
b. rocket 3
c. rocket 2
d. rocket 4

Explanation:

Step1: Recall Newton's Second Law

Newton's second law states that \( F = ma \), where \( F \) is force, \( m \) is mass, and \( a \) is acceleration. Rearranging for acceleration, we get \( a=\frac{F}{m} \). Since the force \( F \) is the same (120 N) for all rockets, acceleration is inversely proportional to mass. So, the smaller the mass, the larger the acceleration.

Step2: Compare the masses of the rockets

The masses of the rockets are:

• Rocket 1: \( 4.25 \, \text{kg} \)
• Rocket 2: \( 3.25 \, \text{kg} \)
• Rocket 3: \( 5.50 \, \text{kg} \)
• Rocket 4: \( 4.50 \, \text{kg} \)

Among these, \( 3.25 \, \text{kg} \) (Rocket 2) is the smallest mass.

Step3: Determine the rocket with highest acceleration

Since acceleration \( a = \frac{F}{m} \) and \( F \) is constant, the smallest mass gives the highest acceleration. So Rocket 2 has the highest acceleration.

Answer:

C. Rocket 2