I need to solve this physics problem about Newton's 2nd Law.
Let me work through it step by step:
Given information:
- Mass (m) = 8 kg
- Force f = 19 N (pointing to the right →)
- Force F = 35 N (pointing to the left ←)
- Need to find: acceleration (a) = ?
Step 1: Find the net force (Fnet)
Since the forces are in opposite directions, I need to subtract them:
- Taking right as positive and left as negative:
- Fnet = 19 N - 35 N = -16 N
The negative sign means the net force is 16 N pointing to the left.
Step 2: Apply Newton's 2nd Law
ΣF = ma
Rearranging for acceleration:
a = Fnet / m
a = -16 N / 8 kg
a = -2 m/s²
The negative sign indicates the acceleration is to the left (in the direction of the larger force).
Verification:
- Net force magnitude: |35 - 19| = 16 N ✓
- Acceleration: 16 N ÷ 8 kg = 2 m/s² ✓
- Direction: toward the larger force (left) ✓
Final Answer:
a = -2 m/s² (or 2 m/s² to the left)
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of newton s second law of motion problems worksheet.
