Vectors \& Scalars (Revision) - Activity 35 A 120 kg box is at rest on a horizontal table with a rough surface 1. Define the term mass. 2. Calculate the magnitude of the weight of the box 3. Explain why the box does not fall through the table.

Question

UpStudy AI · Accepted Answer

1. **Mass**

The mass of an object is a measure of the amount of matter in the object. It is a scalar quantity and does not depend on the gravitational field. Mass is usually measured in kilograms ($$ \text{kg} $$).

2. **Magnitude of the Weight of the Box**

The weight $$ W $$ of an object is the force due to gravity acting on its mass. It is calculated by the formula:

$$
   W = mg
   $$

where:
   - $$ m = 120 \, \text{kg} $$ is the mass of the box.
   - $$ g \approx 9.8 \, \text{m/s}^2 $$ is the acceleration due to gravity.

Substituting the values:

$$
   W = 120 \, \text{kg} \times 9.8 \, \text{m/s}^2 = 1176 \, \text{N}
   $$

Therefore, the magnitude of the weight of the box is $$ 1176 \, \text{N} $$.

3. **Why the Box Does Not Fall Through the Table**

Although the box exerts a downward force on the table equal to its weight ($$ 1176 \, \text{N} $$), the table exerts an equal and opposite upward normal force on the box. This is a result of Newton's Third Law of Motion. When the box is at rest, it is in equilibrium, and the net force acting on it is zero. The forces balance each other:

$$
   \text{Normal force} = \text{Weight of the box}
   $$

Additionally, the structural strength of the table prevents it from deforming significantly under the load, ensuring that the box does not fall through the table.
1. **Mass** Mass is the amount of matter in an object and is measured in kilograms. 2. **Weight of the Box** The box weighs $$ 1176 \, \text{N} $$. 3. **Box Does Not Fall Through the Table** The table pushes up on the box with a force equal to the box's weight, keeping it in place.

Vectors \& Scalars (Revision) - Activity 35 A 120 kg box is at rest on a horizontal table with a rough surface 1. Define the term mass. 2. Calculate the magnitude of the weight of the box 3. Explain why the box does not fall through the table.

Upstudy AI Solution

Answer

Solution

Mind Expander

Related Questions

Latest Physics Questions