A force pushes the cart for 1 s, starting from rest. To achieve the same final speed with a force half as big, the force would need to push for how long? A) 1/4 s B) 1/2 s C) 1 s D) 2 s E) 4 s

Question

I need help with this asap, if possible. I have solved this problem and I think it is 1/4 s.

I would appreciate knowing if I am correct or not.

Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

Using Newton's second law,

a = F/m

v = at = (F/m)t

To achieve the same v with only half of F, you would need to apply the force for twice the time.