A net force of 1.7 Newtons gives an object an acceleration of 3.2 m/s^2. What force would be required to give the same object an acceleration of 2.6 m/s^2?

Answer 1

The Force Vector is equated to the product of the moving object's Mass and the Acceleration Vector; that is to say, F = ma or 1.7 kilogram • meters per second² (or Newtons) is equal to mass times 3.2 meters per second-squared.

1.7 kilogram • meters per second² divided by 3.2 meters per second² then gives the mass of the moving object as (1.7/3.2) kilograms or 0.53125 kilograms.

Finally, the Force required to give the same object an Acceleration of 2.6 meters per second² is obtained from F = 0.53125 kilograms times 2.6 meters per second² or 1.38125 kilogram • meters per second² equivalent to 1.38 Newtons.

Answer 2

Find the mass of the object, and then apply Newtons second law.

m = F₁/a₁ = (1.7 N)/(3.2 m/s²) = 0.53 kg

F₂ = ma₂ = (0.53 kg)(2.6 m/s²) = 1.38 N