Final answer:
According to Newton's Second Law of Motion, the block with the greatest acceleration would be the one with the highest ratio of force to mass. In this case, option B with a 20-newton force and 2 kilograms of mass has the greatest acceleration.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Newton's Second Law of Motion, the equation for acceleration is acceleration = force/mass. Therefore, to determine which block would have the greatest acceleration, we need to compare the ratios of force to mass for each option.
A. 10-newton force, 2 kilograms: Acceleration = 10 N / 2 kg = 5 m/s²
B. 20-newton force, 2 kilograms: Acceleration = 20 N / 2 kg = 10 m/s²
C. 10-newton force, 4 kilograms: Acceleration = 10 N / 4 kg = 2.5 m/s²
D. 20-newton force, 4 kilograms: Acceleration = 20 N / 4 kg = 5 m/s²
Therefore, the block with the greatest acceleration is option B, with a 20-newton force and 2 kilograms of mass.