Question

True or False
Acceleration equals force divided by mass

Answer 1

The given statement Acceleration equals force divided by mass is False. Thus the correct option is (b) false.

Step-by-step explanation:

Acceleration is not equal to force divided by mass; rather, it is the result of dividing force by mass. This fundamental principle is encapsulated in Newton's Second Law of Motion, expressed by the equation
`\(a = (F)/(m)\)`, where (a) represents acceleration, F is force, and (m) denotes mass.

Firstly, let's break down the equation. Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity with respect to time. Force is a vector quantity that imparts acceleration to an object, and mass measures the object's inertia. Newton's Second Law essentially states that the force acting on an object is equal to the mass of that object multiplied by its acceleration. Therefore, acceleration is not equal to force divided by mass, but rather force divided by mass yields acceleration.

Consider a simple example: if you apply a force of 10 Newtons to an object with a mass of 2 kilograms, the resulting acceleration can be calculated as
`\(a = (10 \, N)/(2 \, kg) = 5 \, m/s^2\)`. This example demonstrates how force and mass interact to produce acceleration, emphasizing the distinction between the components of the equation.

In summary, the relationship between acceleration, force, and mass is accurately described by Newton's Second Law, where acceleration is the quotient of force and mass, not their equality.