Final answer:
The student's 2.0-kg weight lifted by a spring scale with a constant reading of 22.5 N has an upward acceleration of 1.45 m/s^2 due to the net upward force of 2.9 N.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks for the acceleration of a 2.0-kg weight that is lifted by a spring scale with a constant reading of 22.5 N. To solve this, we use Newton's second law of motion, which states that the net force acting on an object is equal to the product of its mass and acceleration (Fnet = m * a). The weight of the object is its mass times gravitational acceleration (w = m * g), where g is approximately 9.8 m/s2 on Earth.
First, calculate the weight of the object:
w = m * g
w = 2.0 kg * 9.8 m/s2
w = 19.6 N
Since the spring scale reads 22.5 N, which is higher than the weight, there must be a net upward force causing an upward acceleration. Subtracting the weight from the scale reading gives the net force:
Fnet = Fscale - w
Fnet = 22.5 N - 19.6 N
Fnet = 2.9 N
Now, use Newton's second law to find the acceleration:
a = Fnet / m
a = 2.9 N / 2.0 kg
a = 1.45 m/s2
Therefore, the value of the acceleration on the weight is 1.45 m/s2 upward.