Get reliable answers to your questions at Westonci.ca, where our knowledgeable community is always ready to help. Experience the convenience of getting reliable answers to your questions from a vast network of knowledgeable experts. Discover in-depth answers to your questions from a wide network of professionals on our user-friendly Q&A platform.

A 5 kg block is pulled across a table by a horizontal force of 40 N with a frictional force of 8 N opposing the motion. Calculate the acceleration of the object.

Sagot :

Answer:

a = 6.4 [m/s²]

Explanation:

To solve this problem we must use Newton's second law, which tells us that the sum of forces on a body is equal to the product of mass by acceleration. In this way, we have the following equation.

∑F = m*a

where:

∑F = sum of forces (horizontal force = 40 [N] and friction force = 8 [N])

m = mass of the block = 5 [kg]

a = acceleration [m/s²]

Now replacing:

[tex]40-8=5*a\\32 = 5*a\\a=6.4[m/s^{2} ][/tex]

Note: the sign of the friction force is negative since this force is acting against the movement of the block.