Question

If a loaded truck that can accelerate at 2 m/s2 loses its load and has one-third of its original mass, what acceleration can it attain if the same driving force acts on it?

Answer 1

a₂ = 6 m/s²

Step-by-step explanation:

Conceptual Analysis

We apply Newton's second law:

F=m*a Formula (1)

m: mass in kilograms (kg)

a: acceleration (m/s²)

F: force in Newtons (N)

Known Data

a₁ = 2 m/s²

m₁= m

m₂= (1/3)m

Problem development

We apply formula (1) for the two conditions given:

F₁ = m₁*a₁ = m*2

F₂ = m₂*a₂= (1/3)m*a₂

F₁ = F₂

m*2 = (1/3)m*a₂ We divide by m on both sides of the equation

2 = (1/3)*a₂

6 = a₂

a₂ = 6 m/s²

Answer 2

m* 2m/s^2 = 1/3 m * a

2m/s^2 = 1/3 a (multiply other side by 3)

2m/s^2 * 3= a

= 6 m/s^2

Hope this helps