By definition of the newton in S.I., one newton of force produces which acceleration on a body of specified mass?
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A1 cm/s^2 while acting on a body of 1 gm mass
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B1 cm/s^2 while acting on a body of 1 kg mass
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C1 m/s^2 while acting on a body of 1 kg mass
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D1 m/s^2 while acting on a body of 1 gm mass.
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E10 m/s^2 while acting on a body of 1 kg mass
Answer
Correct Answer: 1 m/s^2 while acting on a body of 1 kg mass
Explanation
Introduction / Context:The newton (N) is the S.I. unit of force. Its definition anchors many engineering calculations in statics and dynamics, ensuring that F = m * a has a clear numerical interpretation in base units. Selecting the correct pairing of mass and acceleration cements the meaning of 1 N in everyday calculations.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- S.I. base units: kilogram (kg) for mass, metre (m) for length, second (s) for time.
- Newton's second law: F = m * a.
- 1 N corresponds to a particular acceleration produced on a 1 kg mass.
Concept / Approach:
From F = m * a, set F = 1 N and m = 1 kg to solve for a. This provides the definition of the newton in S.I. terms without resorting to gravitational units or centimetre–gram–second scales.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Start with F = m * a.Set F = 1 N and m = 1 kg.Compute a = F / m = 1 / 1 = 1 m/s^2.Therefore, 1 N produces 1 m/s^2 acceleration on a 1 kg mass.Verification / Alternative check:
Dimensional analysis: N = kg*m/s^2, which rearranges to a = N/kg = m/s^2, confirming the numerical result for unit values.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- 1 cm/s^2 cases: Use centimetre-based acceleration, not the S.I. metre per second squared; also mixes g and kg inconsistently.
- 1 m/s^2 on 1 g mass: Uses gram, a C.G.S. mass unit, not S.I.
- 10 m/s^2 on 1 kg: Would imply a 10 N force, not 1 N.
Common Pitfalls:
- Switching to centimetres or grams mid-calculation, causing hidden 10× or 1000× errors.
- Confusing weight (in N) with mass (in kg) when applying F = m * a.
Final Answer:
1 m/s^2 while acting on a body of 1 kg mass