Answer:
Option (c) Acceleration is 1/2x the original acceleration
Explanation:
To know the the correct answer to the question, we shall determine the acceleration of the box in each case.
Case 1:
Mass (m) = m
Force (F) = 20 N
Acceleration 1 (a₁) =?
F = ma₁
20 = m × a₁
Divide both side by m
a₁ = 20 / m
Case 2:
Mass (m) = 2m
Force (F) = 20 N
Acceleration 2 (a₂) =?
F = ma₂
20 = 2m × a₂
Divide both side by 2m
a₂ = 20 / 2m
a₂ = 10 / m
Finally, we shall determine the acceleration of the box after the mass was doubled. This can be obtained as illustrated below:
Acceleration 1 (a₁) = 20 / m
Acceleration 2 (a₂) = 10 / m
a₂ : a₁ = 10 / m : 20 / m
a₂ / a₁ = 10 / m ÷ 20 / m
a₂ / a₁ = (10 / m) × (m / 20)
a₂ / a₁ = ½
Cross multiply
a₂ = ½a₁
Thus, the acceleration of the box after the mass was doubled is ½ times the original acceleration.
