Force Physics Example 1

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Example 1

easy
A 5 kg5 \text{ kg} box is pushed across a floor with a force of 20 N20 \text{ N}. If there is no friction, what is the acceleration of the box?

Solution

  1. 1
    Identify the given values: mass m=5 kgm = 5 \text{ kg}, applied force F=20 NF = 20 \text{ N}, and no friction.
  2. 2
    Apply Newton's second law: F=maF = ma
  3. 3
    Solve for acceleration: a=Fm=205=4 m/s2a = \frac{F}{m} = \frac{20}{5} = 4 \text{ m/s}^2

Answer

a=4 m/s2a = 4 \text{ m/s}^2
Force is a push or pull that causes a change in an object's motion. When a net force acts on an object, it accelerates according to Newton's second law F=maF = ma.

About Force

A push or pull interaction between two objects that can cause a change in an object's velocity (speed or direction), described as a vector quantity.

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