An automobile with a mass of 1258 kg accelerates at a rate of 5 m/s² in the forward direction. What is the net force acting on the automobile?

To calculate the net force acting on an object, you need to use Newton's second law of motion, which states that force (F) is equal to mass (m) multiplied by acceleration (a).

In this case, the mass of the automobile is given as 1258 kg, and the acceleration is given as 5 m/s².

Using the formula F = m * a, you can substitute the given values:
F = 1258 kg * 5 m/s²

Now, you can calculate the net force:
F = 6290 N

Therefore, the net force acting on the automobile is 6290 Newtons in the forward direction.