Final answer:
To calculate the mass of a barbell lifted by 240 N of force, use the formula F = m * g. The correct mass is approximately 24.49 kg, which is closest to 24.5 kg.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the mass of a barbell that requires a 240 N force to lift, we can use the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration due to gravity. The formula is F = m * g, where F is the force in newtons, m is mass in kilograms, and g is the acceleration due to gravity, which is approximately 9.8 m/s². Given that the force needed to lift the barbell is 240 N, we can rearrange the formula to solve for mass (m) as follows: m = F / g.
Therefore, the calculation would be m = 240 N / 9.8 m/s² ≈ 24.49 kg, so the closest answer is (b) 24.5 kilograms.