If you push a 4-kg mass with the same force that you push a 10-kg mass from rest, then
A) the 10-kg mass accelerates 4 times faster than the 4-kg mass.
B) the 4-kg mass accelerates 2.5 times faster than the 10-kg mass.
C) the 4-kg mass accelerates 4 times faster than the 10-kg mass.
D) both masses accelerate at the same rate.
E) the 10-kg mass accelerates 2.5 times faster than the 4-kg mass.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to Newton's second law of motion, acceleration (a) is directly proportional to the force (F) applied and inversely proportional to the mass (m) of the object, as given by the formula $a = \frac{F}{m}$. When the same force is applied to both masses, the 4-kg mass will accelerate faster because acceleration is inversely proportional to mass. Specifically, the acceleration of the 4-kg mass is $\frac{10}{4} = 2.5$ times faster than the acceleration of the 10-kg mass.

If You Push a 4-Kg Mass with the Same Force