Consider the following information:

Newton’s second law is given by the equation:

 a = F/m

Where: 

  • a is the acceleration of an object in m/s2 
  • F is the force applied to the object, and
  • m is the mass of the object being accelerated in kilograms. 

Recall that acceleration is the rate of change of velocity of an object; that is, 

a = v/t

A driver accelerates his car first at a rate of 1.8 m/s 2 and then at a rate of 1.2 m/s 2 . What will be the ratio of the two forces exerted by the engine at the two rates?

Explanation

The mass of the cars does not change, so F1 = m × 1.8 m/s2 and F2 = m × 1.2 m/s2 . F1 / F2 = 3:2. Choice D is correct.

Visit our website for other GED topics now!