the same force is constantly applied to two moveable objects. the more massive object will
a) travel at the same speed as the lighter one
b) increase speed but at a slower rate than the lighter one
c) increase speed but at a greater rate than the lighter one
d) increase speed but at a faster rate than the lighter one
e) either b or c
To determine the answer to this question, we need to consider Newton's second law of motion, which states that the force acting on an object is equal to the mass of the object multiplied by its acceleration (F = ma).
In this scenario, the same force is being applied to both objects. Since force is constant, we can assume that it is the same for both objects. Let's analyze the answer choices:
a) If the force is the same for both objects, the more massive object will move at a slower speed because it has a greater mass.
b) If the force is the same, but the objects have different masses, the more massive object will experience a smaller acceleration due to the greater mass. As a result, it will increase speed at a slower rate than the lighter one.
c) If the force is constant, but the objects have different masses, the more massive object will experience a smaller acceleration. However, since its mass is greater, the force has a greater effect on it, causing it to increase speed at a greater rate than the lighter one.
d) If the force is constant, the more massive object will have a greater mass, resulting in a smaller acceleration but will not increase speed at a faster rate than the lighter one.
By analyzing these options, the correct answer is (e) "either b or c". The more massive object will increase speed at either a slower rate or a greater rate than the lighter one, depending on the specific masses of the objects.
The correct answer is e) either b or c.
When the same force is applied to two objects, the acceleration of each object depends on their mass. According to Newton's Second Law of Motion (F = ma), the acceleration is inversely proportional to the mass. Therefore, the more massive object will have a smaller acceleration compared to the lighter one.
However, the speed of an object is determined by its acceleration over time. So, even though the more massive object has a smaller acceleration, it will still increase in speed over time. Both objects will increase in speed, but the lighter one will increase at a greater rate due to its higher acceleration.
Hence, the more massive object will either increase speed but at a slower rate than the lighter one (option b) or increase speed but at a greater rate than the lighter one (option c), depending on the specific values of mass and force.