A constant force of 200 N acts on an object of mass 100 kg. According to Newton’s second law of motion, what is the acceleration produced in the object?

Introduction / Context:

This numerical physics question tests direct application of Newton’s second law of motion, which relates the net force acting on an object to its mass and acceleration. Being able to compute acceleration correctly from a known force and mass is a fundamental skill used in mechanics, engineering, and everyday reasoning about how objects move when forces act on them.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Net force on the object, F = 200 N.
• Mass of the object, m = 100 kg.
• Motion is assumed to be in a straight line, and the force is constant.
• We neglect friction and other opposing forces, so 200 N is the net force.

Concept / Approach:

Newton’s second law states that the net force acting on a body equals the product of its mass and acceleration, written as F = m * a. Rearranging to find acceleration gives a = F / m. Substituting the given values of force and mass will directly yield the acceleration. Unit consistency is important: force in newtons, mass in kilograms, and acceleration in metres per second squared (m/s^2).

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

As a quick check, notice that if the mass were 100 kg and the acceleration 1 m/s^2, the required force would be 100 N. Doubling the force to 200 N should logically double the acceleration to 2 m/s^2 if mass stays the same. This proportional reasoning is consistent with the formula F = m * a and confirms that 2 m/s^2 is the correct result.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• 2 m/s: This has the wrong unit. Metres per second describes speed, not acceleration.
• 0.5 m/s^2: This would correspond to a smaller force of 50 N on 100 kg, not the given 200 N.
• 4 m/s^2: This would require a net force of 400 N on a 100 kg mass, which is double the given force.

Common Pitfalls:

A common error is to ignore units and choose an answer that looks numerically simple but is dimensionally incorrect. Others may mistakenly divide mass by force instead of force by mass, which would give a nonsensical value with wrong units. Some students also forget that acceleration must be in m/s^2 and confuse it with velocity. Always start from F = m * a, rearrange carefully, and check the units of your final answer.

Final Answer:

The acceleration of the object is 2 m/s^2.