Two experiments are performed. In (A), an 18.0 N force pushes horizontally on a 2.00 kg block that then pushes on a 4.00 kg block. In (B), an 18.0 N force pushes on a 4.00 kg block that then pushes on a 2.00 kg block. Which statement is correct?
A)The acceleration is 3.00 m/s2 in both (A) and (B).
B)The acceleration is 4.50 m/s2 in both (A) and (B).
C)The acceleration is 6.00 m/s2 in both (A) and (B).
D)The acceleration is 9.00 m/s2 in both (A) and (B).
E)The 2.00 kg block has a 9.00 m/s2 acceleration. The 4.00 kg block has a 4.50 m/s2 acceleration.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The acceleration of the system is the same in both cases, and is given by F/m, where F is the applied force and m is the total mass of the system. In this case, the total mass is 6.00 kg, so the acceleration is 18.0 N / 6.00 kg = 3.00 m/s2.

Two Experiments Are Performed