Resultant force
A 4.0 kg box is pulled horizontally with a force of 18 N. A frictional force of 6.0 N acts in the opposite direction. Calculate the acceleration of the box.
Worked answer
Solution
- Step 1
Resultant force:
18 - 6 = 12 N. - Step 2
Apply Newton’s second law:
a = F / m. - Step 3
a = 12 / 4.0 = 3.0 m s⁻².
Final answer
3.0 m s⁻²
Common mistake
Using the applied force instead of the resultant force.
Concepts tested
- Newton's second law
- resultant force
- friction
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