Question

if you apply a constant force to an object, but you double the objects mass, how will its acceleration change? the acceleration will double. the acceleration will be cut in half. the acceleration will stay the same. the acceleration will be four times greater.

Explanation:

Step1: Recall Newton's second law

$F = ma$ (where $F$ is force, $m$ is mass, and $a$ is acceleration).

Step2: Express acceleration

$a=\frac{F}{m}$.

Step3: Consider the new - mass situation

Let the initial mass be $m_1$ and acceleration be $a_1=\frac{F}{m_1}$, and the new mass $m_2 = 2m_1$. The new acceleration $a_2=\frac{F}{m_2}=\frac{F}{2m_1}$.

Step4: Compare the initial and new accelerations

We can see that $a_2=\frac{1}{2}a_1$.

Answer:

The acceleration will be cut in half.