Examkin

Question

Difficulty: EasyNewton's Second Law (F=ma)

A compact utility tractor applies a constant net forward force of 1,200 N1,200 \text{ N} to push a stalled passenger vehicle on a level, paved road. If the vehicle accelerates at a rate of 1.5 m/s21.5 \text{ m/s}^2, what is the mass of the vehicle?

Answer: 800 kg

Answer

800 kg
According to Newton's Second Law (F=maF=ma), the mass of an object is equal to the net force acting upon it divided by its acceleration. By dividing the applied net force of 1,200 N1,200 \text{ N} by the acceleration of 1.5 m/s21.5 \text{ m/s}^2, we determine the mass of the vehicle is 800 kg800 \text{ kg}.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the known variables provided in the problem.
Net Force (FF) = 1,200 N1,200 \text{ N}, Acceleration (aa) = 1.5 m/s21.5 \text{ m/s}^2.
Extracting the given information is the first step to determine which physics formula to apply.
2
State the formula for Newton's Second Law of Motion.
F=maF = ma
This formula establishes the mathematical relationship between net force, mass, and acceleration.
3
Rearrange the formula to solve for the unknown variable, mass (mm).
m=Fam = \frac{F}{a}
To find the mass, it must be isolated algebraically on one side of the equation.
4
Substitute the known values into the rearranged formula and compute the result.
m=1,2001.5=800m = \frac{1,200}{1.5} = 800
Executing the division calculation provides the final mass in kilograms.

Key Concept

Newton's Second Law of Motion (F=ma)
Rate this question

Topics

Newton's Second Law (F=ma)

More questions from this topic