Final answer:
The correct equation to solve for acceleration, a, given the formula F = ma is a = F/m. The example of a 55 kg wagon accelerating at 0.0255 m/s² results in a force of 1.4025 newtons.
Step-by-step explanation:
The equation F = ma defines the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration. To solve it for acceleration, we need to isolate the variable a. The correct algebraic manipulation is to divide both sides of the equation by the mass m, yielding the formula a = F/m. Therefore, the correct answer from the provided choices is b) a = F/m.
For example, if a wagon with a mass of 55 kg accelerates at a rate of 0.0255 m/s², we can calculate the force on the wagon by multiplying the mass by the acceleration: F = m * a = 55 kg * 0.0255 m/s² = 1.4025 N. Hence, the force acting on the wagon is 1.4025 newtons.