Question

a 5 kg block rests on a frictionless horizontal surface. a horizontal force of 10 n is applied to the block. what is the acceleration of the block? draw a free-body diagram.

Explanation:

Step1: Apply Newton's second law

Newton's second law is \(F = ma\), where \(F\) is the net force, \(m\) is the mass, and \(a\) is the acceleration.

Step2: Solve for acceleration

Given \(F = 10\space N\) and \(m=5\space kg\). Rearranging the formula \(a=\frac{F}{m}\). Substitute the values: \(a = \frac{10}{5}\).

Answer:

The acceleration of the block is \(2\space m/s^{2}\).

For the free - body diagram:

• There is a downward force \(mg\) (where \(m = 5\space kg\) and \(g=9.8\space m/s^{2}\)) acting on the block due to gravity.
• An upward normal force \(N\) (equal in magnitude to \(mg\) since there is no vertical acceleration, \(N = mg=5\times9.8 = 49\space N\)) acting on the block.
• A horizontal force \(F = 10\space N\) acting on the block.