Question

a 17.0 kg mass is pushed across a carpeted floor with a force of -63.0 n. there is a +12.0 n force due to friction. what is the acceleration of the mass? a = ? m/s² hint: fnet = m·a remember to indicate positive (+) or negative (-) acceleration

Explanation:

Step1: Calculate the net force

The net force \(F_{net}\) is the sum of the applied force \(F_{applied}\) and the frictional force \(F_{friction}\).
\(F_{net}=F_{applied}+F_{friction}\)
Substitute \(F_{applied}=- 63.0\space N\) and \(F_{friction}=+12.0\space N\)
\(F_{net}=-63.0 + 12.0=-51.0\space N\)

Step2: Use Newton's second law \(F_{net}=m\cdot a\) to find acceleration \(a\)

We know \(m = 17.0\space kg\) and \(F_{net}=-51.0\space N\). Rearranging the formula for \(a\) gives \(a=\frac{F_{net}}{m}\)
Substitute the values: \(a=\frac{-51.0}{17.0}\)
\(a=- 3.00\space m/s^{2}\)

Answer:

\(-3.00\space m/s^{2}\)