Question

if a force of 10 n acts on a mass of 5 kg producing an acceleration of 1.5 m/s², then what is the magnitude of the force of friction acting on the mass? a 7.5 n b 2.5 n c 5 n d 10 n

Explanation:

Step1: Apply Newton's second law

According to Newton's second law \(F_{net}=ma\). Here, \(m = 5\space kg\) and \(a=1.5\space m/s^{2}\). So, \(F_{net}=5\times1.5 = 7.5\space N\)

Step2: Relate net force to applied force and friction

The net force \(F_{net}\) is given by \(F_{net}=F - f\), where \(F = 10\space N\) (applied force) and \(f\) is the force of friction. Rearranging for \(f\), we get \(f=F - F_{net}\)
Substitute \(F = 10\space N\) and \(F_{net}=7.5\space N\) into the equation: \(f=10 - 7.5\)

Answer:

\(2.5\space N\) (Option b)