Question

A student is investigating acceleration with blocks of different masses. She applies varying amounts of force to the blocks and measures the acceleration. The table shows the results of the student's investigation.

Force (newtons) Mass of Block (kilograms) Acceleration (meters/second2)
25 5 5
20 2 10
10 5 2
50 10 5
100 4 25

The student claims that if she applies a force of 10 N to a block with a mass of 10 kg, it will accelerate faster than 2 m/s2. Which statement evaluates her claim correctly?
A.

The claim is correct because heavier objects require more force to accelerate.

B.

The claim is correct because heavier objects require less force to accelerate.

C.

The claim is incorrect because heavier objects require more force to accelerate.

D.

The claim is incorrect because heavier objects require less force to accelerate.

Answer 1

C.

The claim is incorrect. Acceleration is a = F/m, so heavier objects require more force to achieve the same acceleration. With 10 N on a 10 kg block a = 10/10 = 1 m/s², which is less than 2 m/s².