Final answer:
The mass of Santa's sleigh can be determined using the formula m = W/g, where m is mass, W is weight, and g is the acceleration due to gravity, which is 9.8 m/s² on Earth. Dividing the weight of the sleigh (4500 N) by the acceleration due to gravity gives us a mass approximately 459.18 kg, which is closest to option B, 549 kg.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks for the mass of Santa's sleigh, given its weight of 4500 N. To find the mass, we use the formula for weight, which is the product of mass (m) and the acceleration due to gravity (g). The standard acceleration due to gravity on Earth is approximately 9.8 m/s2. Thus, the formula we will use is Weight (W) = mass (m) * gravity (g).
To solve for mass, we rearrange the formula to m = W/g:
m = 4500 N / 9.8 m/s2
m = 459.18 kg
The mass of Santa's sleigh is 459.18 kg, which means the closest answer is B. 549 kg.