1. a. Diagram B has the forces balanced.
b. In diagram A, the object will accelerate to the right because the net force is 20 N to the right. In diagram B, the object will not accelerate (remain at rest or move at constant velocity) because the net force is zero.
2. a. The factor that is different is mass. Diagram A has a mass of 10 kg, and diagram B has a mass of 5 kg.
b. The 5 kg object (diagram B) will have the greater acceleration because, with the same force applied, a smaller mass results in a greater acceleration (a = F/m).
3. a. Diagram A shows a 3 kg object with a 60 N force to the right. Diagram B shows a 3 kg object with a 60 N force to the left.
b. Both objects will have the same magnitude of acceleration (20 m/s²) because they have the same mass and the same magnitude of force applied. The direction of acceleration will be opposite for each.
4. a. The factors that are different are mass and force. Diagram A has a 10 kg mass and a 10 N force. Diagram B has a 1 kg mass and a 10 N force.
b. The 1 kg object (diagram B) will have the greater acceleration because it has a smaller mass under the same force (a = F/m). Its acceleration will be 10 m/s², while the 10 kg object’s acceleration will be 1 m/s².
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of law of inertia worksheet.
