Question

A mass, m1, accelerates at 3 m/s² when a force, f, is applied. a second mass,m2, accelerates at 1.0 m/s² when the same force f is applied to it. what is theratio of m1 to m2?

(a) 3:1
(b) 1:3
(c) 4:3
(d) none of these

Answer 1

The ratio of m1 to m2 is 1:3. Therefore, the correct option is B

Step-by-step explanation:

The ratio of m1 to m2 can be found by using Newton's second law, which states that force is directly proportional to mass and acceleration. If m1 accelerates at 3 m/s² and m2 accelerates at 1.0 m/s² when the same force is applied, we can set up the following equation:

F = m1 * a1 = m2 * a2

Where F is the force, m1 and m2 are the masses, and a1 and a2 are the respective accelerations. We can substitute the given values into the equation:

m1 * 3 = m2 * 1.0

Dividing both sides of the equation by m2, we get:

m1/m2 = 1.0/3 = 1:3

Therefore, the ratio of m1 to m2 is 1:3, which corresponds to option (b).