If a box of mass 20kg is being pulled by a force of 50N, and the friction is 10N, what is the resulting acceleration of the box?

First, we resolve the forces. So, if we take the positive direction to be the direction in which it is pulled, we get a force of +50N, and the friction goes against the motion, so the force of friction is -10N. So the sum of these two forces is 50N - 10N = 40N. Remembering Newton's Second Law of motion, F = ma, we know that the force = 40N, and mass = 20 kg, so acceleration a = F/m = 40N/20kg = 2 ms-2.

LU
Answered by Laura U. Physics tutor

9235 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Describe the structure of an alpha particle


Describe the difference between reflection and refraction (assume the mediums have smooth surfaces)


The teacher quickly inverts the can containing boiling water into a bowl of cold water, as shown in the diagram. When the can is inverted in the cold water, the can collapses. Use ideas about particles and pressure to explain why the can collapses.


Why does your hair stand on end when you touch a Van de Graaff generator?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning