A net force of 1.0 N acts on a 3.0-kg object, initially at rest, for 4.0 seconds. What is the distance the object moves during that time?

Question

A net force of 1.0 N acts on a 3.0-kg object, initially at rest, for 4.0 seconds. What is the distance the object moves during that time?

Answer 1

Newton's 2nd law F_net = ma gives us acceleration a = F/m = (1.0 N) / (3.0 kg) = 1/3 m/s². The appropriate kinematic equation is Δx = v_ot + (1/2)at² = 0 + (1/6) (4)² = 2.67 m.