Question

the table and force - diagram give data for a student pushing a box across the floor. analyze the data and explain the relationship between mass and acceleration in terms of the net force on the box. mass of box and contents (kg): 12, 14, 16. acceleration to the right (m/s²): 17, 14, 12. applied force from student on box = 30 n. net force on box = 20 n. sliding friction from floor on box = 10 n. if the net force remains constant, as mass increases, acceleration decreases. if the net force increases, as mass increases, acceleration increases. if the net force remains constant, as mass decreases, acceleration increases. if the net force remains constant, as mass increases, acceleration increases.

Explanation:

Step1: Recall Newton's second - law

Newton's second - law is $F = ma$, where $F$ is the net force, $m$ is the mass, and $a$ is the acceleration. We can rewrite it as $a=\frac{F}{m}$.

Step2: Analyze the relationship

If the net force $F$ remains constant, and the mass $m$ increases, from the formula $a = \frac{F}{m}$, the acceleration $a$ will decrease because the force is being distributed over a larger mass.

Answer:

If the net force remains constant, as mass increases, acceleration decreases.