Question

A student is investigating mass and acceleration. The student applies the same force of 40 N force to two boxes that have the same size and shape. Box 1 experiences an acceleration of 10 m/s^2 and box 2 experiences an acceleration of 5m/s^2.

The student claims that box 1 must have a smaller mass than box 2. Which argument best supports the student's claim?(1 point)
Responses

Heavier objects need greater force than lighter objects to accelerate at the same rate.
Heavier objects need greater force than lighter objects to accelerate at the same rate.

Lighter objects need greater force than heavier objects to start moving but will accelerate at the same rate.
Lighter objects need greater force than heavier objects to start moving but will accelerate at the same rate.

Lighter objects need less force than heavier objects to start moving but will accelerate at the same rate.
Lighter objects need less force than heavier objects to start moving but will accelerate at the same rate.

Heavier objects need less force than lighter objects to accelerate at the same rate.
Heavier objects need less force than lighter objects to accelerate at the same rate.

Answer 1

"Heavier objects need greater force than lighter objects to accelerate at the same rate."

Explanation: from F = ma, for a given force F, a = F/m. If box 1 has larger acceleration with the same F, its mass must be smaller.