A student measures two blocks with different masses with spring scales, as shown. Which claim comparing the blocks is correct?

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Responses

Because block 1 has a smaller mass than block 2, block 1 will require less force to accelerate.
Because block 1 has a smaller mass than block 2, block 1 will require less force to accelerate.

Because block 1 has a smaller mass than block 2, block 1 will require greater force to accelerate.
Because block 1 has a smaller mass than block 2, block 1 will require greater force to accelerate.

Because block 2 has a smaller mass than block 1, block 2 will require greater force to accelerate.
Because block 2 has a smaller mass than block 1, block 2 will require greater force to accelerate.

Because block 2 has a smaller mass than block 1, block 2 will require less force to accelerate.

1 answer

The correct claim is:

Because block 1 has a smaller mass than block 2, block 1 will require less force to accelerate.

According to Newton's second law of motion, force is equal to mass times acceleration (F = ma). For a given acceleration, an object with a smaller mass will require less force to achieve that acceleration compared to an object with a larger mass.