Question

Calculate the mass of an object that is accelerating 14 m/s^2 with a force of 280 N

Answer 1

Answer:

$\boxed {\boxed {\sf 20 \ kilograms }}$

Explanation:

Force is the product of mass and acceleration.

$F=m*a$

We can find mass, since we know the acceleration and force.

The acceleration is 14 meters per square second. The force is 280 Newtons, but we should convert the units to make the problem simpler later on.

• 1 kilogram meter per square second is equal to 1 Newton.
• 280 Newtons are equal to 280 kg*m/s²

$F= 280 \ kg*m/s^2 \\a= 14 \ m/s^2$

Substitute the values into the formula.

$280 \ kg*m/s^2 = m* 14 \ m/s^2$

We want to solve for the mass or m. Therefore we must isolate the variable on one side of the equation.

m is being multiplied by 14 m/s². The inverse of multiplication is division. Divide both sides of the equation by 14 m/s²

$\frac{280 \ kg*m/s^2}{14 \ m/s^2}=\frac{m*14 \ m/s^2}{14 \ m/s^2}$

$\frac{280 \ kg*m/s^2}{14 \ m/s^2}=m$

The m/s² will cancel, which is why we converted the units earlier.

$\frac{280 \ kg}{14 }=m$

$20 \ kg=m$

The mass of the object is 20 kilograms.