Acceleration: Unlocking the Secrets Behind Motion

What is the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration in motion?

When a boy pulls a wagon with an applied force of 35 N on a surface and the wagon has a mass of 12 kg, what is the acceleration of the wagon?

The Relationship between Force, Mass, and Acceleration

The acceleration of the wagon can be calculated using Newton's second law of motion, which states that force equals mass times acceleration (F = ma).

Acceleration plays a crucial role in understanding the motion of objects. When a force is applied to an object, its acceleration is influenced by both the magnitude of the force and the mass of the object. In this case, the applied force of 35 N and the mass of 12 kg of the wagon interact to determine the acceleration.

By applying the formula F = ma, we can rearrange the equation to solve for acceleration: a = F/m. Substituting the values given for the force and mass of the wagon, we find that the acceleration of the wagon is 2.92 m/s².

This calculation not only provides us with the numerical value of the acceleration but also gives us a deeper insight into the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration in motion. Understanding this fundamental concept can help us comprehend the dynamics of various moving objects and the factors influencing their motion.