Question

A 60.0kg ice skater throws a large box with a mass of 15.0kg away from her (with an initial acceleration of 4.0 m/s2). What is the acceleration of the skater (in m/s2)?

Answer 1

Answer: 1.0 m/s2

Step-by-step explanation:

This is a Newton's 3rd Law of Motion problem. The force applied on the box by the skater must equal the force applied on the skater by the box (and in the opposite direction). F = ma

Let x = acceleration of the skater

(15.0 kg)(4.0 m/s2) = (60.0 kg) (x)

x = 60 N / 60 kg = 1.0 m/s2