To determine which rocket has the lowest acceleration, we need to use Newton's second law of motion which states that acceleration ([tex]\( a \)[/tex]) is equal to the net force ([tex]\( F \)[/tex]) acting on the object divided by the mass ([tex]\( m \)[/tex]) of the object:
[tex]\[ a = \frac{F}{m} \][/tex]
Given the data:
- Rocket 1: Mass = 4.25 kg, Force = 120 N
- Rocket 2: Mass = 3.25 kg, Force = 120 N
- Rocket 3: Mass = 5.50 kg, Force = 120 N
- Rocket 4: Mass = 4.50 kg, Force = 120 N
Let's calculate the acceleration for each rocket.
1. Rocket 1:
[tex]\[
a_1 = \frac{120 \, \text{N}}{4.25 \, \text{kg}} \approx 28.24 \, \text{m/s}^2
\][/tex]
2. Rocket 2:
[tex]\[
a_2 = \frac{120 \, \text{N}}{3.25 \, \text{kg}} \approx 36.92 \, \text{m/s}^2
\][/tex]
3. Rocket 3:
[tex]\[
a_3 = \frac{120 \, \text{N}}{5.50 \, \text{kg}} \approx 21.82 \, \text{m/s}^2
\][/tex]
4. Rocket 4:
[tex]\[
a_4 = \frac{120 \, \text{N}}{4.50 \, \text{kg}} \approx 26.67 \, \text{m/s}^2
\][/tex]
Now, let's compare the accelerations:
- [tex]\( a_1 \approx 28.24 \, \text{m/s}^2 \)[/tex]
- [tex]\( a_2 \approx 36.92 \, \text{m/s}^2 \)[/tex]
- [tex]\( a_3 \approx 21.82 \, \text{m/s}^2 \)[/tex]
- [tex]\( a_4 \approx 26.67 \, \text{m/s}^2 \)[/tex]
Among these accelerations, the lowest acceleration is [tex]\( 21.82 \, \text{m/s}^2 \)[/tex] which corresponds to Rocket 3.
Therefore, the correct answer is:
A. Rocket 3
