Question

A force F with arrow applied to an object of mass m1 produces an acceleration of 3.10 m/s2. The same force applied to a second object of mass m2 produces an acceleration of 1.80 m/s2.(a) What is the value of the ratio m1/m2?(b) If m1 and m2 are combined into one object, find its acceleration under the action of the force F with arrow.

Answer 1

Answer:

(a) The value of the ratio m₁/m₂ is 0.581

(b)  the acceleration of the combined masses is 1.139 m/s²

Explanation:

Given;

The acceleration of force applied to M₁, a₁ = 3.10 m/s²

The same force applied to M₂ has acceleration, a₂ = 1.80 m/s²

Let this force = F

According Newton's second law of motion;

F = ma

(a) the value of the ratio m₁/m₂

since the applied force is same in both cases,  M₁a₁ = M₂a₂

$\frac{m_1}{m_2} = \frac{a_2}{a_1} \\\\\frac{m_1}{m_2} = \frac{1.8}{3.1} \\\\\frac{m_1}{m_2} = 0.581$

(b) the acceleration of m₁ and m₂ combined as one object under the action force F

F = ma

$a = \frac{F}{M} \\\\a = \frac{F}{m_1 + m_2} \\\\a = \frac{F}{0.581m_2 + m_2}\\\\a = \frac{F}{1.581m_2}$

$But, m_2 = \frac{F}{a_2} \\\\a = \frac{F}{1.581m_2} = \frac{F*a_2}{1.581F} \\\\a = \frac{a_2}{1.581} \\\\a = \frac{1.8}{1.581} = 1.139 \ m/s^2$

Therefore, the acceleration of the combined masses is 1.139 m/s²