At what rate does the mass accelerate?

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The discussion centers on calculating the acceleration of a 10 kg mass when a 100 N force is applied. The correct acceleration, assuming no friction, is 10 m/s², derived from Newton's second law (F=ma). The initial confusion about the acceleration being 5 m/s² is clarified by emphasizing that the calculation directly yields 10 m/s². The possibility of friction affecting the acceleration is briefly mentioned but not elaborated upon. Overall, the straightforward application of the formula confirms the acceleration as 10 m/s².
cchabound27
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Can someone help explain this question to me, i know the answer to be 5 m/s^2 but thought it was 10 m/s^2. An anstronaut on the moon applies a 100 N horizontal force to a 10 kg mass at rest on a table. At what rate does the mass accelerate?
 
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The answer is 10m/s^2 assuming no friction. Perhaps there's some friction? Otherwise, by straightforward application of F=ma gives a=F/m=100N/10kg=10m/s^2
 

Thread 'Mousetrap Car Energy efficiency'

For simple comparison, I think the same thought process can be followed as a block slides down a hill, - for block down hill, simple starting PE of mgh to final max KE 0.5mv^2 - comparing PE1 to max KE2 would result in finding the work friction did through the process. efficiency is just 100*KE2/PE1. If a mousetrap car travels along a flat surface, a starting PE of 0.5 k th^2 can be measured and maximum velocity of the car can also be measured. If energy efficiency is defined by...
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