A body of mass 4 kg resting on a smooth horizontal plane is simultaneously acted upon by two perpendicular forces 6N and 8N. Calculate the acceleration of the motion
A
2.5 ms-1
B
3.0 ms-1
C
4.0 ms-1
D
4.5 ms-1
Verified Correct Answer: A.
Physical Principles & Numerical Solution
Smooth plane has negligible friction
∴ only the resultant of the perpendicular forces is acting on the body, which is given as
F = \(\sqrt{ 6^2 + 8^2}\)
= \(\sqrt{64 + 36}\)
= \(\sqrt{100}\)
= 10N
But F = Ma
∴ a = F/M = 10/4 = 2.5 ms-1
Source: WAEC / JAMB / NECO Classroom Archive (Record #14485)