Math Problem Statement

A cleaner pushes a 5.50 kg laundry cart in such a way that the net external force on it is 61.5 N. Calculate the magnitude of its acceleration.

Part 1 +

Give the equation used to find the magnitude of an object's acceleration in terms of its mass (m ) and the net external force acting on it (F ).

a

Part 2

Calculate the magnitude of its acceleration.

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Solution

Part 1: Equation for Magnitude of Acceleration

The equation used to find the magnitude of an object's acceleration (aa) in terms of its mass (mm) and the net external force acting on it (FF) is derived from Newton's Second Law of Motion:

a=Fma = \frac{F}{m}

Where:

  • aa is the acceleration,
  • FF is the net external force,
  • mm is the mass of the object.

Part 2: Calculating the Magnitude of Acceleration

Given the following information:

  • Mass of the laundry cart, m=5.50kgm = 5.50 \, \text{kg},
  • Net external force, F=61.5NF = 61.5 \, \text{N}.

We can apply the formula from Part 1:

a=Fm=61.5N5.50kg=11.18m/s2a = \frac{F}{m} = \frac{61.5 \, \text{N}}{5.50 \, \text{kg}} = 11.18 \, \text{m/s}^2

Thus, the magnitude of the cart's acceleration is:

a=11.18m/s2a = 11.18 \, \text{m/s}^2


Would you like further details or have any questions about this solution?

Here are 5 related questions you might find interesting:

  1. What would happen if the force acting on the cart was doubled?
  2. How does the acceleration change if the mass of the cart is doubled while keeping the force constant?
  3. How would you calculate the acceleration if friction is present in this scenario?
  4. What is the direction of the acceleration in this case?
  5. How can we apply Newton’s Second Law to an object moving in a circle?

Tip: Remember, the direction of acceleration always follows the direction of the net external force applied to the object.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Newton's Second Law
Acceleration
Force
Mass

Formulas

a = F / m

Theorems

Newton's Second Law of Motion

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11