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General Science • PhysicsMedium

An object of mass 5 kilograms is subjected to a constant net horizontal force of 20 newtons on a smooth frictionless horizontal surface. What is the acceleration produced in the object?

A. 4 meters per second squared✓ Correct Answer
B. 100 meters per second squared
C. 0.25 meters per second squared
D. 15 meters per second squared

💡 Solution & Explanation

According to Newton second law of motion, acceleration is directly proportional to the applied net force and inversely proportional to the mass of the object, expressed as acceleration equal to force divided by mass. Substituting twenty newtons for force and five kilograms for mass yields an acceleration of four meters per second squared. Incorrect calculations stem from multiplying force and mass instead of dividing them. Force is a vector quantity possessing both magnitude and direction.

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