To determine the acceleration of the wooden block when it hits the sensor, we can use Newton's second law of motion, which states that the force \( F \) acting on an object is equal to the mass \( m \) of the object times its acceleration \( a \). This relationship is expressed by the formula:
[tex]\[ F = m \times a \][/tex]
Given the values:
- The mass of the wooden block, \( m = 0.5 \) kilograms
- The force measured by the sensor, \( F = 4.9 \) newtons
We need to find the acceleration \( a \). Rearrange the formula to solve for \( a \):
[tex]\[ a = \frac{F}{m} \][/tex]
Substitute the known values into this formula:
[tex]\[ a = \frac{4.9 \text{ newtons}}{0.5 \text{ kilograms}} \][/tex]
Calculate the result:
[tex]\[ a = 9.8 \, \frac{\text{meters}}{\text{second}^2} \][/tex]
Therefore, the acceleration of the wooden block when it hits the sensor is \( 9.8 \, \frac{\text{m}}{\text{s}^2} \).
So, the correct answer is:
D. [tex]\( 9.8 \, \frac{\text{m}}{\text{s}^2} \)[/tex]
