A dynamics cart is pulled from rest by a net force of 1.2 N [forward]. The cart moves 6.6 m, reaching a velocity of 3.2 m/ s [forward]. Determine the mass of the cart

Answer 1

To determine the mass of the cart, we can use Newton's second law of motion, which states that the acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force applied to it and inversely proportional to its mass.

The net force applied to the cart is given as 1.2 N, and the distance it moves is given as 6.6 m. The velocity it reaches is 3.2 m/s.

Using the equation v^2 = u^2 + 2as, where v is the final velocity, u is the initial velocity (0 m/s in this case), a is the acceleration, and s is the distance traveled, we can find the acceleration of the cart.

3.2^2 = 0 + 2(a)(6.6)
10.24 = 13.2a
a = 10.24 / 13.2
a ≈ 0.775 m/s^2

Now we can use Newton's second law to find the mass of the cart.

F = ma
1.2 = m(0.775)
m = 1.2 / 0.775
m ≈ 1.55 kg

Therefore, the mass of the cart is approximately 1.55 kg.