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

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

Step2: Calculate acceleration for option A

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

Step3: Calculate acceleration for option B

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

Step4: Calculate acceleration for option C

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

Step5: Calculate acceleration for option D

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

Answer:

C. 4 Newtons pushing a 1 - Kilogram block