Question

Two people push on a boulder to try to move it. The mass of the boulder is 825 kg. One person pushes north with a force of 64 N. The other pushes west with a force of 38 N. Predict the magnitude of the acceleration of the boulder. Assume that friction is negligible.

Answer 1

Answer:

0.09 m/s²

Explanation:

Acceleration: This can be defined as the rate of change of velocity.

The S.I unit of acceleration is m/s².

From the question, expression for acceleration is given as

F' = ma  

Using Pythagoras Theory,

√(F₁²+F₂²) = ma................... Equation 1

Where F₁ = Force of the First person on the boulder, F₂ = Force of the Second person on the boulder, F' = resultant force acting on the boulder, m = mass of the boulder, a = acceleration of the boulder.

make a the subject of the equation

a = √(F₁²+F₂²) /m................ Equation 2

Given: m = 825 kg, F₁ = 64 N, F₂ = 38 N,

Substitute into equation 2

a = [√(64²+38²)]/825

a = {√(5540)}/825

a = 74.43/825

a = 0.09 m/s²