Question

1. a 5000kg elephant is crossing the savannah.

a. what is the mass of the elephant?
m =

b. what is the weight of the elephant?
givens

unknown

equation

substitute

solve

Explanation:

Step1: Answer part a

The mass of the elephant is directly given in the problem.
\(m = 5000\space kg\)

Step2: Answer part b - Identify given

Mass \(m = 5000\space kg\), acceleration due to gravity \(g= 9.8\space m/s^{2}\) (standard value on Earth)

Step3: Answer part b - Identify unknown

Weight \(F_{w}\) (force due to gravity)

Step4: Answer part b - Equation

The formula for weight is \(F_{w}=mg\)

Step5: Answer part b - Substitute

Substitute \(m = 5000\space kg\) and \(g = 9.8\space m/s^{2}\) into the formula: \(F_{w}=(5000\space kg)\times(9.8\space m/s^{2})\)

Step6: Answer part b - Solve

\(F_{w}=49000\space N\)

Answer:

a. \(m = 5000\space kg\)
b.

Givens	\(m = 5000\space kg\), \(g = 9.8\space m/s^{2}\)
Equation	\(F_{w}=mg\)
Substitute	\(F_{w}=(5000\space kg)\times(9.8\space m/s^{2})\)
Solve	\(F_{w}=49000\space N\)