A student is investigating mass and acceleration. The student applies the same force to two boxes, as shown in the table.

Question

Box | Force Applied to Box (newtons) | Acceleration (meters/second2)
1 | 20 | 5
2 | 20 | 2

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

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

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

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

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

Answer 1

To support the student's claim that box 1 must have a smaller mass than box 2, the best argument from the options provided is:

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

This statement aligns with Newton's second law of motion (F = ma), which indicates that for a given force, acceleration is inversely proportional to mass. Since both boxes are experiencing the same force (20 newtons), the box that accelerates more (box 1) must indeed have a smaller mass than the box that accelerates less (box 2). Thus, the supporting reasoning aligns with the student's conclusion.