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: Recall Newton's Second Law

Newton's second law states $F = ma$, where $F$ is force, $m$ is mass, and $a$ is acceleration. We need to solve for $a$, so rearrange the formula to $a=\frac{F}{m}$.

Step2: Substitute Values

Given $F = 10\,\text{N}$ and $m = 5\,\text{kg}$, substitute into the formula: $a=\frac{10}{5}$.

Step3: Calculate Acceleration

$\frac{10}{5}=2\,\text{m/s}^2$.

Free - Body Diagram Explanation:

• Vertical Forces: The weight of the block $W = mg$ acts downward, and the normal force $N$ from the surface acts upward. Since there's no vertical acceleration, $N = W$.
• Horizontal Force: A horizontal force $F = 10\,\text{N}$ acts on the block (there's no friction force as the surface is frictionless).

Answer:

The acceleration of the block is $2\,\text{m/s}^2$. The free - body diagram has a downward force (weight), an upward normal force (equal in magnitude to weight), and a horizontal applied force of $10\,\text{N}$.