8.6A - A student pushes a 67.2 kilogram bookshelf across a smooth floor with a net force of 52 N.
What is the approximate acceleration of the bookshelf in m/s2, to the nearest hundredth?
To find the approximate acceleration of the bookshelf, we can use Newton's second law of motion which states:
F = ma
where:
F = net force applied (52 N)
m = mass of the bookshelf (67.2 kg)
a = acceleration
We can rearrange the equation to solve for acceleration:
a = F/m
a = 52 N / 67.2 kg
a = 0.7738 m/s²
Therefore, the approximate acceleration of the bookshelf is 0.77 m/s² (to the nearest hundredth).