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Question
A student is investigating mass and acceleration. The student applies the same force of 40 N force to two boxes that have the same size and shape. Box 1 experiences an acceleration of 10 m/s^2 and box 2 experiences an acceleration of 5m/s^2.
The student claims that box 1 must have a smaller mass than box 2. Which argument best supports the student's claim?(1 point)
Responses
Lighter objects need less force than heavier objects to start moving but will accelerate at the same rate.
Lighter objects need less force than heavier objects to start moving but will accelerate at the same rate.
Heavier objects need less force than lighter objects to accelerate at the same rate.
Heavier objects need less force than lighter objects to accelerate at the same rate.
Heavier objects need greater force than lighter objects to accelerate at the same rate.
Heavier objects need greater force than lighter objects to accelerate at the same rate.
Lighter objects need greater force than heavier objects to start moving but will accelerate at the same rate.
Lighter objects need greater force than heavier objects to start moving but will accelerate at the same rate.
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The correct answer is: "Lighter objects need less force than heavier objects to start moving but will accelerate at the same rate." This argument supports the student's claim because it explains that box 1, which experiences a higher acceleration, must have a smaller mass than box 2, which experiences a lower acceleration.
The best argument that supports the student's claim is:
"Heavier objects need greater force than lighter objects to accelerate at the same rate."
To answer this question, we need to understand the relationship between mass, force, and acceleration. The equation that relates these quantities is F = ma, where F represents force, m represents mass, and a represents acceleration.
In the given scenario, the student applies a force of 40 N to both boxes. Box 1 experiences an acceleration of 10 m/s^2, and Box 2 experiences an acceleration of 5 m/s^2.
According to Newton's second law of motion (F = ma), we can rearrange the equation to solve for mass: m = F/a.
For Box 1, using the given values, the mass can be calculated as m1 = 40 N / 10 m/s^2 = 4 kg.
For Box 2, again using the given values, the mass can be calculated as m2 = 40 N / 5 m/s^2 = 8 kg.
Comparing the masses of the two boxes, we find that Box 1 has a smaller mass (4 kg) compared to Box 2 (8 kg).
Thus, the argument that best supports the student's claim is: "Lighter objects need less force than heavier objects to start moving but will accelerate at the same rate."