A force of 30 N is applied for 5.0 s on two objects with different masses. Which one has the greater velocity change?

When a constant force is applied to two objects, the velocity change of each object depends on their mass. According to Newton's second law, acceleration (a) is equal to the force (F) divided by mass (m), expressed as \( a = \frac{F}{m} \). Therefore, the object with the smaller mass will experience a greater acceleration and, consequently, a greater change in velocity over the same time interval. So, if the two objects have significantly different masses, the lighter object will have the greater velocity change when the same force is applied! Now, let’s consider how this principle is applied in real life. For example, think about how a small car and a large truck react when you push them with the same force. The small car will speed up much more quickly than the truck due to its lower mass. This principle is crucial in designing vehicles for safety and performance. Knowing this helps engineers create cars that can respond quickly in emergencies, keeping drivers safe on the road!