Question

if the same force is applied to each of the balls pictured below, which one will have the least acceleration? a m = 0.5 kg b m = 0.75 kg c m = 1.0 kg d m = 7.3 kg

Explanation:

Step1: Recall Newton's second law

Newton's second law is \(F = ma\), which can be rewritten as \(a=\frac{F}{m}\). When \(F\) (force) is constant, \(a\) (acceleration) is inversely proportional to \(m\) (mass), i.e., \(a\propto\frac{1}{m}\).

Step2: Compare the masses

We are given \(m_A = 0.5\space kg\), \(m_B=0.75\space kg\), \(m_C = 1.0\space kg\), \(m_D=7.3\space kg\). Since \(a\propto\frac{1}{m}\), the ball with the largest mass will have the least acceleration. Among the given masses, \(m_D = 7.3\space kg\) is the largest.

Answer:

D