help with kilograms and force

Question

alicia is pushing a box with a mass of 5 kilograms across a floor.  jake is pushing a box with a mass of 10 kilograms across a floor.  how much force will jake have to exert on the box he is pushing to accelerate at the same rate as alicia...

 

a.  half the force alicia is certing

b.  twice the force alicia is exerting

c.  the same amount of force alicia is exerting

 

 

I am pretty sure the answer is not a.

 

 

thanks

Answer 1

Hello again,

 

My favorite equation, F = ma. The problem wants us to compare the force for Jake to Alicia if the acceleration is the same rate (or equal) as alicia's. This means we can set up two equations:

 

F1 = m1a1 (Alicia)  and  F2 = m2a2 (Jake)

 

a1=a2

 

F1/m1 = F2/m2 

 

F2 = F1*(m2/m1) = F1* (10/5) = 2F1

 

So the force that Jake must apply is proportional to the mass of the objects if he wants it to accelerate at the same rate. Answer b. is correct