Final answer:
The acceleration of a 2.0-kg block, with a net force of 3.0 N acting to the right, is calculated using Newton's second law and is found to be 1.5 m/s² to the right.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the acceleration of a 2.0-kg block that is acted upon by an 18.0-N force acting to the right and a 15.0-N force acting to the left, we use Newton's second law of motion, which states that the acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting on it and inversely proportional to its mass. In this case, the net force acting on the block can be calculated by subtracting the leftward force from the rightward force (18.0 N - 15.0 N). Therefore, the net force is 3.0 N to the right.
The formula to determine acceleration (a) is given by a = F_net / m, where F_net is the net force and m is the mass of the object. Substituting the given values:
a = 3.0 N / 2.0 kg = 1.5 m/s² to the right
Thus, the acceleration of the block is 1.5 m/s² to the right.