Multiple Choice Question

Question

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

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

The best argument that supports the student's claim that box 1 must have a smaller mass than box 2 is:

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

The reasoning behind this is based on Newton's second law of motion, which states that Force equals mass times acceleration (F = ma). Since both boxes have the same force applied but different accelerations, box 1, which has a higher acceleration (5 m/s²), must have a smaller mass compared to box 2, which has a lower acceleration (2 m/s²). This indicates that for the same force, the object with greater acceleration must be lighter (less mass).