Question

80 n -80 n a 40 kg person pushes a 210 kg fridge to the right with +80 n of force. which object accelerates more quickly? 40 kg 210 kg the person not enough information. the fridge accelerations are equal.

Explanation:

Step1: Recall Newton's Second Law

Newton's second law is \( F = ma \), which can be rearranged to \( a=\frac{F}{m} \), where \( F \) is force, \( m \) is mass, and \( a \) is acceleration.

Step2: Identify Forces and Masses

• For the person (mass \( m_p = 40\space kg \)): The force acting on the person is \( F_p=- 80\space N \) (reaction force from the fridge, opposite to the force the person applies on the fridge).
• For the fridge (mass \( m_f = 210\space kg \)): The force acting on the fridge is \( F_f = + 80\space N \) (force applied by the person).

Step3: Calculate Acceleration of Person

Using \( a=\frac{F}{m} \), for the person: \( a_p=\frac{F_p}{m_p}=\frac{- 80}{40}=- 2\space m/s^2 \) (the negative sign indicates direction, magnitude is \( 2\space m/s^2 \)).

Step4: Calculate Acceleration of Fridge

For the fridge: \( a_f=\frac{F_f}{m_f}=\frac{80}{210}\approx0.38\space m/s^2 \).

Step5: Compare Accelerations

The magnitude of the person's acceleration (\( 2\space m/s^2 \)) is greater than the fridge's acceleration (\( \approx0.38\space m/s^2 \)).

Answer:

The person