Question

A block of mass 5 kg is placed on a frictionless surface and a force of 20 N is applied horizontally. What is the acceleration of the block?

• A. 4 m/s\(^2\)
• B. 2 m/s\(^2\)
• C. 5 m/s\(^2\)
• D. 10 m/s\(^2\)

Hint:

For frictionless surfaces, use Newton's second law directly to find acceleration.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Apply Newton's second law, \( F = ma \).
Given: Force \( F = 20 \, \text{N} \), mass \( m = 5 \, \text{kg} \).
\[ a = \frac{F}{m} = \frac{20}{5} = 4 \, \text{m/s}^2 \] Step 2: Verify: Since the surface is frictionless, no other forces oppose the motion. The acceleration is: \[ a = 4 \, \text{m/s}^2 \] Matches option (1).