Question

A flea jumps by exerting a force of 1.20×10−5N straight down on the ground. A breeze blowing on the flea parallel to the ground exerts a force of 0.500×10−6N on the flea while the flea is still in contact with the ground. Find the direction and magnitude of the acceleration of the flea if its mass is 6.00×10−7kg. Do not neglect the gravitational force.

a) Magnitude = 1.75 m/s², direction = downward
b) Magnitude = 2.50 m/s², direction = downward
c) Magnitude = 1.75 m/s², direction = upward
d) Magnitude = 2.50 m/s², direction = upward

Answer 1

The magnitude of the acceleration of the flea is 1.75 m/s² and its direction is downward.

Step-by-step explanation:

To find the acceleration of the flea, we need to calculate the net force acting on the flea using the given forces. The force exerted by the flea on the ground is directed downward and has a magnitude of 1.20 × 10-5 N. The force exerted by the breeze on the flea, parallel to the ground, is directed in the same direction and has a magnitude of 0.500 × 10-6 N.

To calculate the net force, we need to take into account the gravitational force acting on the flea as well. The gravitational force is given by the formula F = m * g, where m is the mass of the flea and g is the acceleration due to gravity. Plugging in the values, we get F = (6.00 × 10-7 kg) * (9.8 m/s²) = 5.88 × 10-6 N.

The net force can be calculated by summing up all the forces acting on the flea. In this case, the net force is the sum of the force exerted by the flea on the ground, the force exerted by the breeze, and the gravitational force. So, Fnet = 1.20 × 10-5 N + 0.500 × 10-6 N + 5.88 × 10-6 N = 1.75 × 10-5 N.

The direction of the acceleration is determined by the net force. Since the net force is directed downward, the acceleration of the flea is also directed downward. Therefore, the correct answer is option a) Magnitude = 1.75 m/s², direction = downward.