Final answer:
The force needed to cause the object to accelerate at 20 m/s2 is 100 N.
Step-by-step explanation:
Force is a fundamental concept in physics that describes the interaction between objects, resulting in a change in their motion. In simple terms, force is a push or pull that can cause an object to accelerate, decelerate, or change its shape.
The force needed to cause a 5-kg object to accelerate at 20 m/s2 can be calculated using Newton's Second Law of Motion, which states that force is equal to mass multiplied by acceleration. Therefore, the force needed is equal to:
Force = Mass × Acceleration
Force = 5 kg × 20 m/s2
Force = 100 N
So the correct answer is a) 100 N.