Question

Block B is on a resistance-free surface and a horizontal force of 4.54 N acts on the block. This force produces an acceleration of 2.44 m/s/s. Block A, which has a mass of 4.38 kg, is then dropped onto Block B as shown in the "after" picture. The same force continues to act. What is the acceleration of the combination of blocks? (Assume that the second block does not slide on the first block.)

Answer 1

if you (about) double the mass

you will (about) halve the acceleration

a = f / m

Answer 2

There is a hint: First, find the mass of the original block. Then use Newton's second law equation to determine the acceleration of the combination of two masses.

Answer 3

mass of block B = F/a = 4.54 / 2.44 =1.86 kg
new total mass = 1.86 + 4.38 = 6.24 kg
a = F/m = (4.54 / 6.24) m/s^2