a constant force applied to object...

Question

A constant force applied to object A causes it to accelerate at 5 m/s^2 .The same force applied to object B causes an acceleration of 3 m/s^2 . Applied to object C, it causes an acceleration of 9 m/s^2 .

1.Which object has the largest mass?

Enter A, B, or C.

2.Which object has the smallest mass?

Enter A, B, or C.

3.What is the ratio of mass A to mass B?

Express your answer using one significant figure.

Answer 1

Since F = ma then you can say m = F/a

So you can use 3 different equations for each of the 3 cases

m₁ = F/a₁ where a₁ = 5 m/s²

m₂ = F/a₂ where a₂ = 3 m/s²

m₃ = F/a₃ where a₃ = 9 m/s²

Since F is constant, if it makes things easier, just pick some value for F, like 90 for instance.

Then m₁ = 90/5, m₂ = 90/3, and m₃ = 90/9

Does that help answer your questions?