Question

Forces of 3.0 N and 4.0 N act at right angles on a block of mass 2.0 kg. What is the acceleration of the block?

Answer 1

Using Newton's Second Law:

`F_(net)=ma`

But first, we need to find the net force, We can do this as follows:

Now, using Pythagorean theorem:

`\begin{gathered} F_(net)=√(3^2+4^2) \\ F_(net)=√(9+16) \\ F_(net)=√(25) \\ F_(net)=5N \end{gathered}`

Now, solving for a from Newton's Second Law:

`\begin{gathered} a=(F_(net))/(m) \\ a=(5)/(2) \\ a=2.5m/s^2 \end{gathered}`

Answer:

2.5 m/s²