Two forces of 3 N and 5 N act on a 4 kg block in the same direction to the left. What is the acceleration?

Two forces of 3 N and 5 N act on a 4 kg block in the same direction to the left. What is the acceleration?

• A. 0 m/s^2
• B. 2 m/s^2 to the right
• C. 8 m/s^2 to the left
• D. 2 m/s^2 to the left

Answer: (D)

Newton's second law says acceleration equals the net force divided by mass, and its direction matches the net force. Here, the two forces point the same way, so they add: net force = 3 N + 5 N = 8 N to the left. With a mass of 4 kg, the acceleration is a = Fnet / m = 8 N / 4 kg = 2 m/s^2, directed to the left. So the block accelerates leftward at 2 m/s^2.

Newton's second law says acceleration equals the net force divided by mass, and its direction matches the net force.

Here, the two forces point the same way, so they add: net force = 3 N + 5 N = 8 N to the left. With a mass of 4 kg, the acceleration is a = Fnet / m = 8 N / 4 kg = 2 m/s^2, directed to the left.

So the block accelerates leftward at 2 m/s^2.