Final answer:
The mass experienced approximately 2 g-forces.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the g-forces experienced by the mass, we need to use Newton's second law of motion, which states that force is equal to mass multiplied by acceleration: F = ma. In this case, the force applied is 400 N and the mass is 20.0 kg. To find the acceleration, we rearrange the equation to solve for a: a = F/m. Plugging in the values gives us a = 400 N / 20.0 kg = 20 m/s².
G-forces are a measurement of acceleration relative to the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s²). To find the g-forces, we divide the acceleration by the acceleration due to gravity: g-forces = acceleration / acceleration due to gravity = 20 m/s² / 9.8 m/s² = 2.04 g-forces.
Therefore, the mass experienced approximately 2 g-forces.