Final answer:
The net force acting on the elephant is -530 N, and the acceleration of the elephant is approximately -0.044 m/s^2.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine the net force acting on the elephant, we need to calculate the sum of the forces acting on it. Since one classmate is pulling with a force of 250 N to the left and the other classmate is pulling with a force of 780 N to the right, we can subtract the rightward force from the leftward force to find the net force. Net force = 250 N - 780 N = -530 N. Therefore, the net force acting on the elephant is -530 N.
To determine the acceleration of the elephant, we can use Newton's second law of motion, which states that net force = mass x acceleration. Rearranging the formula, acceleration = net force / mass. Plugging in the values, acceleration = -530 N / 1200,000 g. Since 1 g = 9.8 m/s^2, we need to convert grams to kilograms and divide by 9.8 to get the acceleration in m/s^2. The acceleration of the elephant is approximately -0.044 m/s^2.