When an apple that weighs 1 N is dropped and freely falls,the net force on the apple is
A)0 N.
B)0.1 N.
C)1 N.
D)10 N.
E)none of the above

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When the apple is dropped and freely falls, it experiences only one force acting on it, which is its weight. The weight of the apple is equal to its mass (which we assume to be 100 g or 0.1 kg) multiplied by the acceleration due to gravity (which is approximately 9.8 m/s^2). Therefore, the weight of the apple is given by:
Weight = mass x acceleration due to gravity
Weight = 0.1 kg x 9.8 m/s^2
Weight = 0.98 N
Since there are no other forces acting on the apple (such as air resistance or a push/pull force), the net force on the apple is equal to its weight, which is 1 N to the nearest whole number. Therefore, the best choice is C.

When an Apple That Weighs 1 N Is Dropped and Freely