Chapter 5

The Laws of Motion

Multiple Choice
1.

In the figure, if the tension in string 1 is 34 N and the tension in string 2 is 24 N,

what is the mass of the object shown?

40
40

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
2.

7.3 kg
5.5 kg
1.8 kg
3.7 kg
4.5 kg

If M = 2.0 kg, what is the tension in string 1?

30
30

2
1
M

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

1.2 N
11 N
34 N
3.5 N
40 N

65

66

3.

CHAPTER 5

If M = 6.0 kg, what is the tension in string 1?

30
30
1

60
60

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
4.

39 N
34 N
29 N
44 N
51 N

If M = 1.1 kg, what is the tension in string 1?

40
40

40
40

M
1

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

54 N
47 N
40 N
62 N
57 N

The Laws of Motion

5.

An object of unknown weight is suspended as shown. The tension in rope 1 is

25 lb, and the tension in rope 2 is 31 lb. What is the weight of the suspended
object?

2
37
37

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
6.

36 lb
33 lb
41 lb
39 lb
56 lb

If = 40, = 60, and M = 4.0 kg, determine the tension in string 1.

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
7.

15 N
22 N
17 N
20 N
36 N

If = 40 and the tension in string 2 is 30 N, determine M.

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

3.4 kg
3.6 kg
2.6 kg
4.9 kg
7.5 kg

67

68

8.

CHAPTER 5

Two forces are the only forces acting on a 3.0-kg object which moves with an
acceleration of 3.0 m/s2 in the positive y direction. If one of the forces acts in the
positive x direction and has a magnitude of 8.0 N, what is the magnitude of the
other force?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

9.

12 N
14 N
16 N
18 N
22 N

The horizontal surface on which the block slides is frictionless. If F = 20 N and M

= 5.0 kg, what is the magnitude of the resulting acceleration of the block?
30
30

F
M

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
10.

2.4 kg
2.2 kg
2.7 kg
3.1 kg
1.5 kg

If the only forces acting on a 2.0-kg mass are F1 = (3i 8j) N and F2 = (5i + 3j) N,
what is the magnitude of the acceleration of the particle?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

12.

5.3 m/s2
6.2 m/s2
7.5 m/s2
4.7 m/s2
3.2 m/s2

The only two forces acting on a body have magnitudes of 20 N and 35 N and
directions that differ by 80. The resulting acceleration has a magnitude of
20 m/s2. What is the mass of the body?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

11.

1.5 m/s2
6.5 m/s2
4.7 m/s2
9.4 m/s2
7.2 m/s2

At an instant when a 4.0-kg object has an acceleration equal to (5i + 3j) m/s2, one
of the two forces acting on the object is known to be (12i + 22j) N. Determine the
magnitude of the other force acting on the object.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

2.0 N
13 N
18 N
1.7 N
20 N

The Laws of Motion

13.

If F = 4.0 N and m = 2.0 kg, what is the magnitude a of the acceleration for the
block shown below? The surface is frictionless.
a

F
40
40

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
14.

5.3 m/s2
4.4 m/s2
3.5 m/s2
6.2 m/s2
8.4 m/s2

A block is pushed up a frictionless 30 incline by an applied force as shown. If

F = 25 N and M = 3.0 kg, what is the magnitude of the resulting acceleration of
the block?
M

F
30
30

30
30

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
15.

A 5.0-kg object is suspended by a string from the ceiling of an elevator that is

accelerating downward at a rate of 2.6 m/s2. What is the tension in the string?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

16.

2.3 m/s2
4.6 m/s2
3.5 m/s2
2.9 m/s2
5.1 m/s2

49 N
36 N
62 N
13 N
52 N

The tension in a string from which a 4.0-kg object is suspended in an elevator is

equal to 44 N. What is the acceleration of the elevator?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

11 m/s2 upward
1.2 m/s2 upward
1.2 m/s2 downward
10 m/s2 upward
2.4 m/s2 downward

69

70

17.

CHAPTER 5

A 5.0-kg mass is attached to the ceiling of an elevator by a rope whose mass is

negligible. What force does the mass exert on the rope when the elevator has an
acceleration of 4.0 m/s2 upward?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

18.

A 5.0-kg mass is suspended by a string from the ceiling of an elevator that is

moving upward with a speed which is decreasing at a constant rate of 2.0 m/s in
each second. What is the tension in the string supporting the mass?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

19.

0.11 kN
0.81 kN
0.70 kN
0.59 kN
0.64 kN

A 3.0-kg block slides on a frictionless 20 inclined plane. A force of 16 N acting

parallel to the incline and up the incline is applied to the block. What is the
acceleration of the block?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

21.

49 N
39 N
59 N
10 N
42 N

A person weighing 0.70 kN rides in an elevator that has an upward acceleration

of 1.5 m/s2. What is the magnitude of the force of the elevator floor on the
person?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

20.

69 N downward
29 N downward
49 N downward
20 N downward
19 N downward

2.0 m/s2 down the incline

5.3 m/s2 up the incline
2.0 m/s2 up the incline
3.9 m/s2 down the incline
3.9 m/s2 up the incline

A 2.0-kg block slides on a frictionless 25 inclined plane. A force of 4.6 N acting

parallel to the incline and up the incline is applied to the block. What is the
acceleration of the block?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

1.8 m/s2 up the incline

2.3 m/s2 up the incline
6.6 m/s2 down the incline
1.8 m/s2 down the incline
2.3 m/s2 down the incline

The Laws of Motion

22.

A 2.0-kg block slides on a frictionless 15 inclined plane. A force acting parallel to

the incline is applied to the block. The acceleration of the block is 1.5 m/s2 down
the incline. What is the applied force?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

23.

65
56
61
49
27

A 2.0-kg object has a velocity of 4.0i m/s at t = 0. A constant resultant force of

(2.0i + 4.0j) N then acts on the object for 3.0 s. What is the magnitude of the
objects velocity at the end of the 3.0-s interval?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

26.

3.8 N
3.2 N
2.8 N
4.3 N
4.6 N

A 1.5-kg object has a velocity of 5j m/s at t = 0. It is accelerated at a constant rate

for five seconds after which it has a velocity of (6i + 12j) m/s. What is the
direction of the resultant force acting on the object during this time interval?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

25.

8.1 N down the incline

3.0 N down the incline
2.1 N up the incline
3.0 N up the incline
8.1 N up the incline

A 1.5-kg object has a velocity of 5j m/s at t = 0. It is accelerated at a constant rate

for five seconds after which it has a velocity of (6i + 12j) m/s. What is the
magnitude of the resultant force acting on the object during this time interval?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

24.

71

9.2 m/s
6.3 m/s
8.2 m/s
7.2 m/s
7.7 m/s

A 1.5-kg mass has an acceleration of (4.0i 3.0j) m/s2. Only two forces act on the
mass. If one of the forces is (2.0i 1.4j) N, what is the magnitude of the other
force?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

4.1 N
6.1 N
5.1 N
7.1 N
2.4 N

72

27.

CHAPTER 5

Only two forces act on a 3.0-kg mass. One of the forces is 9.0 N east, and the
other is 8.0 N in the direction of 62 north of west. What is the magnitude of the
acceleration of the mass?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

28.

A book is placed on a chair. Then a videocassette is placed on the book. The floor
exerts a normal force
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

29.

must be zero.
must be perpendicular to one of the three.
must be parallel to one of the three.
must be perpendicular to the plane.
may have any direction in the plane.

When the vector sum of three co-planar forces, A, B and C, is parallel to A, we

can conclude that B and C
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

32.

moves downward at constant velocity.

moves upward at constant velocity.
accelerates downward.
accelerates upward.
is not moving.

The vector sum of three co-planar forces

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

31.

on all three.
only on the book.
only on the chair.
upwards on the chair and downwards on the book.
only on the objects that you have defined to be part of the system.

The apparent weight of a fish in an elevator is greatest when the elevator

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

30.

2.0 m/s2
2.4 m/s2
3.3 m/s2
2.9 m/s2
5.7 m/s2

must sum to zero.

must be equal and opposite.
must have equal and opposite components perpendicular to A.
must have equal and opposite components parallel to A.
must have equal and opposite components parallel and perpendicular to A.

A constant force is applied to a body that is already moving. The force is directed
at an angle of 60 degrees to the direction of the bodys velocity. What is most
likely to happen is that
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

the body will stop moving.

the body will move in the direction of the force.
the bodys velocity will increase in magnitude but not change direction.
the body will gradually change direction more and more toward that of the
force while speeding up.
the body will first stop moving and then move in the direction of the force.

The Laws of Motion

33.

A juggler throws two balls up to the same height so that they pass each other
halfway up when A is rising and B is descending. Ignore air resistance and
buoyant forces. Which statement is true of the two balls at that point?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

34.

e.

the first car will stop moving.

the first car will move in the direction of the force.
the first cars velocity will increase in magnitude but not change direction.
the first cars velocity will gradually change direction more and more
toward that of the force while increasing in magnitude.
the first cars velocity will gradually change direction more and more
toward that of the force while decreasing in magnitude.

You have a machine which can accelerate pucks on frictionless ice. Starting from
rest, the puck travels a distance x in time t when force F is applied. If force 3F is
applied, the distance the puck travels in time t is
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

36.

There is an residual upward force from the hand on each ball.

There is a greater residual force from the hand on A than there is on B.
Only gravity acts on B but there is an additional residual force from the
hand on A.
There is an additional downwards force besides gravity on each ball.
The only force acting on each ball is the gravitational force.

A bumper car is moving at constant velocity when another bumper car starts to
push on it with a constant force at an angle of 60 degrees with respect to the first
cars initial velocity. The second bumper car continues pushing in exactly that
direction for some time. What is most likely to happen is that
a.
b.
c.
d.

35.

73

x.
(3 2)x .
3x.
(9 2)x .
9x.

A constant force F is applied to a body of mass m that initially is headed east at

velocity v0 until its velocity becomes v0. The total time of travel is 2t. The total
distance the body travels in that time is
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

1 F 2
t .
2m
F 2
t .
m
1 F 2
v0 t
t .
2m
1 F 2
v0 t +
t .
2m
1 F 2

2 v0 t +
t .
2 m

74

37.

CHAPTER 5

The first of two identical boxes of mass m is sitting on level ground. The second
box is sitting on a ramp that makes a 20 angle with the ground. The normal
force of the level ground on the first box is N L ; the normal force of the ramp on
the second box is N R . Which statement is correct?

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
38.

N R = N L = mg .
N L = mg ; N R = mg sin 20 .
N L = mg ; N R = mg cos 20 .
N L = mg ; N R = mg cos 20 .
N R = N L = mg .

The first of two identical boxes of mass m is sitting on level ground. The second
box is sitting on a ramp that makes an angle with the ground. When a force of
magnitude F is applied to each box in a direction parallel to the surface it is on,
upwards on the box on the ramp, neither box moves. Which statement
comparing the friction force on the box on the level, f L , to the friction force on
the box on the ramp, f R , is correct?

a.

fR = fL .

b.

fR > fL .

c.
d.
e.
39.

fR < fL .
The coefficient of static friction is needed to determine the correct answer.
The angle between the ramp and the ground is needed to determine the
correct answer.

The total force needed to drag a box at constant speed across a surface with
coefficient of kinetic friction k is least when the force is applied at an angle
such that

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

sin = k .
cos = k .
tan = k .
cot = k .
sec = k .

The Laws of Motion

40.

75

A heavy weight is supported by two cables that exert tensions of magnitude T1

and T2 . Which statement is correct?
30
T1

41.

T1 = T2 .
T1y = T2 y .

c.
d.
e.

T1 > T2 .
T1 < T2 .
We need the mass of the box in order to determine the correct answer.

Two people, each of 70 kg mass, are riding in an elevator. One is standing on the
floor. The other is hanging on a rope suspended from the ceiling. Compare the
force FF the floor exerts on the first person to the force FR the rope exerts on the
second person. Which statement is correct?
They are equal and opposite in direction.
The are equal and have the same direction.
FR is greater than FF , but they have the same direction.
FR is greater than FF , but they have opposite directions.
FR is less than FF , but they have the same direction.

Two people, each of 70 kg mass, are riding in an elevator. One is standing on the
floor. The other is hanging on a rope suspended from the ceiling. Compare the
acceleration a F of the first person to the acceleration a R of the second person.
Which statement is correct?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

43.

T2

a.
b.

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
42.

60

They are equal and opposite in direction.

The are equal and have the same direction.
The acceleration a R is greater than a F , but they have the same direction.
The acceleration a R is greater than a F , but they have opposite directions.
The acceleration a R is less than a F , but they have the same direction.

The horizontal surface on which the objects slide is frictionless. If M = 2.0 kg, the
tension in string 1 is 12 N. Determine F.
M

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

25 N
20 N
30 N
35 N
40 N

2M

2M

76

44.

CHAPTER 5

The horizontal surface on which the objects slide is frictionless. If F = 12 N, what

is the tension in string 1?
2F

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
45.

2M

3M

3F

35 N
30 N
40 N
45 N
25 N

The surface of the inclined plane shown is frictionless. If F = 30 N, what is the

magnitude of the force exerted on the 3.0-kg block by the 2.0-kg block?

3.0 kg
2.0 kg

30
30

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
46.

18 N
27 N
24 N
21 N
15 N

If P = 6.0 N, what is the magnitude of the force exerted on block 1 by block 2?

3
2
1
P

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

2.0 kg

6.4 N
5.6 N
4.8 N
7.2 N
8.4 N

3.0 kg

5.0 kg

The Laws of Motion

47.

77

If F = 5.0 N, what is the magnitude of the force exerted by block 2 on block 1?

2
1
25N

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
48.

17 N
19 N
21 N
23 N
5.0 N

An astronaut who weighs 800 N on the surface of the earth lifts off from planet
Zuton in a space ship. The free-fall acceleration on Zuton is 3.0 m/s2 (down). At
the moment of liftoff the acceleration of the space ship is 0.50 m/s2 (up). What is
the magnitude of the force of the space ship on the astronaut?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

49.

3.0 kg

2.0 kg

41 N
0.29 kN
0.24 kN
0.20 kN
0.37 kN

The horizontal surface on which the objects slide is frictionless. If M = 1.0 kg and
the magnitude of the force of the small block on the large block is 5.2 N,
determine F.

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

6.0 N
9.0 N
7.8 N
4.8 N
4.1 N

2M

4M

78

50.

CHAPTER 5

The horizontal surface on which the objects slide is frictionless. If F = 6.0 N and
M = 1.0 kg, what is the magnitude of the force exerted on the large block by the
small block?
2F

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
51.

7.7 N
9.8 N
9.1 N
8.4 N
6.5 N

11 N
70 N
48 N
59 N
62 N

An 8.0-kg object rests on the floor of an elevator which is accelerating downward

at a rate of 1.3 m/s2. What is the magnitude of the force the object exerts on the
floor of the elevator?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

53.

2M

A 6.0-kg object is suspended by a vertical string from the ceiling of an elevator

which is accelerating upward at a rate of 1.8 m/s2. Determine the tension in the
string.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

52.

3M

59 N
10 N
89 N
68 N
78 N

A 70-kg stunt artist rides in a rocket sled which slides along a flat inclined
surface. At an instant when the sleds acceleration has a horizontal component of
6.0 m/s2 and a downward component of 2.8m/s2, what is the magnitude of the
force on the rider by the sled?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

0.83 kN
0.98 kN
0.65 kN
0.68 kN
0.72 kN

The Laws of Motion

54.

If F = 40 N and M = 1.5 kg, what is the tension in the string connecting M and
2M? Assume that all surfaces are frictionless.

2M

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
55.

13 N
23 N
36 N
15 N
28 N

The system shown is released from rest and moves 50 cm in 1.0 s. What is the
value of M? All surfaces are frictionless.
3.0 kg

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

0.42 kg
0.34 kg
0.50 kg
0.59 kg
0.68 kg

79

80

56.

CHAPTER 5

If F = 40 N and M = 2.0 kg, what is the magnitude of the acceleration of the

suspended object? All surfaces are frictionless.
F
30
30

2M

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
57.

1.2 m/s2
2.0 m/s2
1.5 m/s2
2.5 m/s2
5.6 m/s2

If M = 2.2 kg, what is the tension in the connecting string? The pulley and all
surfaces are frictionless.
M

30
30

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
58.

6.4 N
5.9 N
5.4 N
6.9 N
8.3 N

A 5.0-kg mass sits on the floor of an elevator that has a downward acceleration of
1.0 m/s2. On top of the 5.0-kg mass is an object of unknown mass. The force of
the elevator on the 5.0-kg mass is 80 N up. Determine the unknown mass.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

3.3 kg
2.4 kg
1.6 kg
4.1 kg
5.0 kg

The Laws of Motion

59.

If the tension, T, is 15 N and the magnitude of the acceleration, a, is 3.0 m/s2,

what is the mass, m, of the suspended object? Assume that all surfaces and the
pulley are frictionless?
a
T

2M

M
m

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
60.

3.1 kg
2.5 kg
2.8 kg
2.2 kg
3.7 kg

If F = 8.0 N and M = 1.0 kg, what is the tension in the connecting string? The
pulley and all surfaces are frictionless.
F
2M

10
10

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
61.

4.1 N
3.5 N
3.8 N
3.1 N
4.8 N

In the figure, if F = 2.0 N and M = 1.0 kg, what is the tension in the connecting
string? The pulley and all surfaces are frictionless.
F
2M

30
30

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

2.6 N
1.1 N
2.1 N
1.6 N
3.7 N

81

82

62.

CHAPTER 5

A 4.0-kg block slides down a 35 incline at a constant speed when a 16-N force is
applied acting up and parallel to the incline. What is the coefficient of kinetic
friction between the block and the surface of the incline?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

63.

0.20
0.23
0.26
0.33
0.41

A block is pushed across a horizontal surface by the force shown. If the

coefficient of kinetic friction between the block and the surface is 0.30, F = 20 N,
= 30, and M = 3.0 kg, what is the magnitude of the acceleration of the block?
F

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
64.

2.8 m/s2
2.3 m/s2
1.8 m/s2
3.3 m/s2
5.4 m/s2

A 3.0-kg block moves up a 40 incline with constant speed under the action of a
26-N force acting up and parallel to the incline. What magnitude force must act
up and parallel to the incline for the block to move down the incline at constant
velocity?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

65.

14 N
12 N
16 N
18 N
25 N

The block shown is pulled across the horizontal surface at a constant speed by
the force shown. If M = 5.0 kg, F = 14 N and = 35, what is the coefficient of
kinetic friction between the block and the horizontal surface?

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

0.44
0.33
0.38
0.28
0.17

The Laws of Motion

66.

A box rests on the (horizontal) back of a truck. The coefficient of static friction
between the box and the surface on which it rests is 0.24. What maximum
distance can the truck travel (starting from rest and moving horizontally with
constant acceleration) in 3.0 s without having the box slide?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

67.

2.1 m/s2
2.3 m/s2
1.9 m/s2
1.7 m/s2
3.2 m/a2

A 4.0-kg block is pushed up a 36 incline by a force of magnitude P applied

parallel to the incline. When P is 31 N, it is observed that the block moves up the
incline with a constant speed. What value of P would be required to lower the
block down the incline at a constant speed?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

70.

0.20
0.18
0.15
0.13
0.27

A 2.0-kg block slides on a rough horizontal surface. A force (magnitude

P = 4.0 N) acting parallel to the surface is applied to the block. The magnitude of
the blocks acceleration is 1.2 m/s2. If P is increased to 5.0 N, determine the
magnitude of the blocks acceleration.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

69.

14 m
11 m
19 m
24 m
29 m

In a game of shuffleboard (played on a horizontal surface), a puck is given an

initial speed of 6.0 m/s. It slides a distance of 9.0 m before coming to rest. What
is the coefficient of kinetic friction between the puck and the surface?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

68.

83

27 N
15 N
13 N
17 N
19 N

A 1.8-kg block is released from rest at the top of a rough 30 inclined plane. As
the block slides down the incline, its acceleration is 3.0 m/s2 down the incline.
Determine the magnitude of the force of friction acting on the block.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

4.2 N
3.0 N
3.4 N
3.8 N
2.3 N

84

71.

CHAPTER 5

A 1.8-kg block is projected up a rough 10 inclined plane. As the block slides up

the incline, its acceleration is 3.8 m/s2 down the incline. What is the magnitude
of the force of friction acting on the block?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

72.

5.0 N
3.8 N
4.2 N
4.6 N
6.5 N

A 2.0-kg block slides on a rough horizontal surface. A force (P = 6.0 N) is applied

to the block as shown. The magnitude of the blocks acceleration is 1.2 m/s2.
What is the magnitude of the force of friction acting on the block?
P

30
30

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
73.

2.0 N
1.4 N
1.6 N
2.8 N
3.4 N

A 3.0-kg block slides on a rough horizontal surface. A force of 8.0 N acting

parallel to the surface is applied to the block. The coefficient of kinetic friction
between the block and the surface is 0.15. What is the magnitude of the blocks
acceleration?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

74.

2.0 kg

1.9 m/s2
1.2 m/s2
2.3 m/s2
1.5 m/s2
2.9 m/s2

A 1.0-kg block is pushed up a rough 22 inclined plane by a force of 7.0 N acting

parallel to the incline. The acceleration of the block is 1.4 m/s2 up the incline.
Determine the magnitude of the force of friction acting on the block.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

1.9 N
2.2 N
1.3 N
1.6 N
3.3 N

The Laws of Motion

75.

85

In the figure shown, the coefficient of kinetic friction between the block and the
incline is 0.29. What is the magnitude of the acceleration of the suspended block
as it falls? Disregard any pulley mass or friction in the pulley.
2M

30
30

5.4 m/s2
5.2 m/s2
4.9 m/s2
5.6 m/s2
7.9 m/s2

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
76.

In the figure shown, the coefficient of kinetic friction between the block and the
incline is 0.40. What is the magnitude of the acceleration of the suspended block
as it falls? Disregard any pulley mass or friction in the pulley.

2M

40
40

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

3.4 m/s2
3.7 m/s2
4.2 m/s2
3.9 m/s2
5.4 m/s2

86

77.

CHAPTER 5

The three blocks shown are released from rest and are observed to move with
accelerations that have a magnitude of 1.5 m/s2. What is the magnitude of the
friction force on the block that slides horizontally? Disregard any pulley mass or
friction in the pulley and let M = 2.0 kg.
2M

2M

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
78.

6.0 N
5.1 N
5.5 N
4.6 N
3.7 N

Two blocks in contact with each other are pushed to the right across a rough
horizontal surface by the two forces shown. If the coefficient of kinetic friction
between each of the blocks and the surface is 0.30, determine the magnitude of
the force exerted on the 2.0-kg block by the 3.0-kg block.
30N

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

15 N
25 N
11 N
22 N
33 N

2.0 kg

3.0 kg

10N

The Laws of Motion

79.

87

Two blocks are accelerated across a horizontal frictionless surface as shown.

Frictional forces keep the two blocks from sliding relative to each other, and the
two move with the same acceleration. If F = 1.2 N and M = 1.0 kg, what is the
horizontal component (frictional force) of the force of the large block on the small
block?
M

2M

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
80.

0.40 N to the left

0.80 N to the right
0.40 N to the right
0.80 N to the left
1.20 N to the left

The coefficient of kinetic friction between the surface and the larger block is 0.25,
and the coefficient of kinetic friction between the surface and the smaller block is
0.40. If F = 22N and M = 1.0 kg in the figure, what is the magnitude of the
acceleration of either block?
F

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
81.

3M

2M

1.8 m/s2
2.6 m/s2
1.4 m/s2
2.2 m/s2
3.7 m/s2

In the figure, the coefficient of kinetic friction between the surface and the larger
block is 0.20, and the coefficient of kinetic friction between the surface and the
smaller block is 0.30. If F = 14 N and M = 1.0 kg, what is the magnitude of the
acceleration of either block?

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

2.0 m/s2
1.3 m/s2
1.5 m/s2
1.8 m/s2
3.5 m/s2

3M

88

82.

CHAPTER 5

Two blocks are accelerated across a horizontal frictionless surface as shown.

Frictional forces keep the two blocks from sliding relative to each other, and the
two move with the same acceleration. If F = 1.2 N and M = 1.0 kg, what is the
horizontal component (frictional force) of the force of the small block on the large
block?
F

2M

3M

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
83.

0.48 N to the right

0.72 N to the right
0.72 N to the left
0.48 N to the left
0.65 N to the left

Two blocks connected by a string are pulled across a horizontal surface by a

force applied to one of the blocks, as shown. The coefficient of kinetic friction
between the blocks and the surface is 0.25. If each block has an acceleration of
2.0 m/s2 to the right, what is the magnitude F of the applied force?
F

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
84.

60
60

3.0 kg

1.0 kg

25 N
18 N
11 N
14 N
7.0 N

In the figure, the coefficient of kinetic friction between the surface and the larger
block is 0.20, and the coefficient of kinetic friction between the surface and the
smaller block is 0.30. If F = 10 N and M = 1.0 kg, what is the tension in the
connecting string?
F

2M

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

8.0 N
6.0 N
6.7 N
8.7 N
3.0 N

The Laws of Motion

85.

The frictional force of the floor on a large suitcase is least when the suitcase is
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

86.

0 N.
201 N.
211 N.
553 N.
580 N.

A chair is placed on a rug. Then a book is placed on the chair. The floor exerts a
normal force
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

88.

pushed by a force parallel to the floor.

dragged by a force parallel to the floor.
pulled by a force directed at an angle above the floor.
pushed by a force directed at an angle into the floor.
turned on its side and pushed by a force parallel to the floor.

A 60-kg person rides down an icy hill of 20 slope while standing on a 3.0-kg flatbottomed bathroom scale. Assume there is no frictional force between the bottom
of the scale and the hill. The static friction force the scale exerts on the person is
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

87.

89

on all three.
only on the book.
only on the rug.
upwards on the rug and downwards on the chair.
only on the objects you have defined to be part of the system.

Two identical springs with spring constant 50 N/m support a 5.0 N weight as in
the picture below. What is the tension in spring A?

30 30
B

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

1.45 N
2.50 N
2.89 N
3.75 N
5.00 N

90

89.

CHAPTER 5

Two identical springs with spring constant 50 N/m support a 5.0 N weight as in
the picture below. What is the change in length of each spring when the weight is
hung on the springs.?

30 30
B

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
90.

A book is placed on a chair. Then a videocassette is placed on the book. The floor
exerts a normal force
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

91.

2.9 cm
5.0 cm
5.8 cm
7.5 cm
10.0 cm

on all three.
only on the book.
only on the chair.
upwards on the chair and downwards on the book.
only on the objects that you have defined to be part of the system.

Two bodies, A and B, collide as shown in Figures a and b below.

vA
vA

vB

(a)

A
B

vB

(b)

Which statement is true?

a.
a.
c.
d.
e.
92.

They exert equal and opposite forces on each other in (a) but not in (b).
They exert equal and opposite force on each other in (b) but not in (a).
They exert equal and opposite force on each other in both (a) and (b).
The forces are equal and opposite to each other in (a), but only the
components of the forces parallel to the velocities are equal in (b).
The forces are equal and opposite in (a), but only the components of the
forces perpendicular to the velocities are equal in (b)

You throw a ball up in the air and hold your hand under it to catch it when it
comes down. The reason why the ball stops is because
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

your hand is there: your hand exerts no force on the ball.

your hand exerts a force on the ball perpendicular to its velocity.
your hand exerts a force on the ball in the direction of its velocity.
your hand exerts a force on the ball in the direction opposite to its velocity.
your hand and the ball exert forces in the same direction on each other.

The Laws of Motion

93.

You hold a tennis racket in your hand. On top of the racket you have balanced a
ball. Which statement is true?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

94.

in the direction of and equal to your weight.

opposite to and equal to your weight.
in the direction of and less than your weight.
opposite to and less than your weight.
opposite to and greater than your weight.

When an acrobat hangs motionless from a pair of rings

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

97.

is independent of velocity or acceleration.

increases when the velocity increases.
is proportional to the acceleration.
decreases when the force parallel to the floor increases.
increases when the force parallel to the floor increases.

In order to jump off the floor, the floor must exert a force on you
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

96.

The force of your hand on the racket and the force of the ball on the racket
are equal and opposite.
The force of the racket on your hand and the force of the ball on the racket
are equal and opposite.
The force of your hand on the racket and the force of the racket on the ball
are equal and opposite.
The force of the racket on your hand and the force of the racket on the ball
are equal and opposite.
The force of your hand on the racket and the force of the racket on your
hand are equal and opposite.

When you drag a toy teddy bear along the floor by a force that is parallel to the
floor, the magnitude of the force of friction
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

95.

91

she has no measurable weight.

her weight depends on the angles the ropes make with the ceiling.
her weight is reduced by the upward force the rings exert on her.
her weight is increased by the upward force the rings exert on her.
she exerts a gravitational force on the Earth that is equal to the sum of the
forces the rings exert on her.

Three boxes slide on a frictionless horizontal surface when pulled by a force of

magnitude F. When we compare the tensions T1 and T 2 with the force F, we
find that
2m

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

T2

2m

T1 = T2 = F .
T1 = F > T2 .
F > T1 = T2 .
F > T1 > T2 .
F T1 < T1 T2 .

T1

2m

92

98.

CHAPTER 5

Three boxes are pushed across a frictionless horizontal surface as shown. When
we compare the normal force N2 ,5 that mass 2m exerts on mass 5m with the
normal force N5 ,10 that mass 5m exerts on mass 10m, we find that

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
99.

2m

10m

5m

N 2 , 5 = N 5 ,10 = F .
N 2 , 5 = F > N 5 ,10 .
F > N 2 , 5 = N 5 ,10 .
F > N 2 , 5 > N 5 ,10 .
F > N 5 ,10 > N 2 , 5 .

Given the equation (2.00 kg) 5.00

m
= 20.00 N 10.00 N , which answer or
s2

answers provides(s) the best description of a possible physical situation?

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
100.

A 20.00 N tension pulls a 2.00 kg mass. The 2.00 kg mass pulls another
2.00 kg mass.
A 20.00 N tension pushes a 2.00 kg mass. The 2.00 kg mass pushes another
2.00 kg mass.
A 2.00 kg mass on a flat surface is acted on by gravity while another 2.00 kg
mass sits on top of it.
All of the situations above are possible.
Only (a) and (b) above are possible.

Given the equation (3.00 kg)5.88

m
m
m
= (3.00 kg)9.80 2 (2.00 kg)5.88 2 ,
2

s
s
s

which answer provides the best description of a possible physical situation?

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

A 3.00 kg mass is suspended from the ceiling.

A 2.00 kg mass hanging over a pulley drags a 3.00 kg mass along a
frictionless horizontal surface.
A 3.00 kg mass hanging over a pulley drags a 2.00 kg mass along a
frictionless horizontal surface.
A 3.00 kg mass hanging over a pulley drags a 5.00 kg mass along a
frictionless horizontal surface.
A 5.00 kg mass hanging over a pulley drags a 3.00 kg mass along a
frictionless horizontal surface.

The Laws of Motion

101.

Two experiments are performed. In (A), an 18.0 N force pushes horizontally on a

2.00 kg block that then pushes on a 4.00 kg block. In (B), an 18.0 N force pushes
on a 4.00 kg block that then pushes on a 2.00 kg block. Which statement is
correct?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

102.

0.0783 N
783 N
2, 450 N
24,500 N
78, 300 N

Jean is moving two boxes down the hall towards her dorm room. The smaller
box, of 80 N weight, is in front of the larger box, of 160 N weight. She finds that
she is pushing on the larger box with an 84 N force. Jimmy tells her that means
that she is also pushing on the smaller box with an 84 N force. Clara tells Jimmy
that he is wrong, because the force is divided between the two boxes in
proportion to their weights as long as they have equal coefficients of kinetic
friction. Which one, if either, is correct, Clara or Jimmy?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

104.

The acceleration is 3.00 m/s2 in both (A) and (B).

The acceleration is 4.50 m/s2 in both (A) and (B).
The acceleration is 6.00 m/s2 in both (A) and (B).
The acceleration is 9.00 m/s2 in both (A) and (B).
The 2.00 kg block has a 9.00 m/s2 acceleration. The 4.00 kg block has a
4.50 m/s2 acceleration.

A catcher arranges to catch a baseball dropped from a height 50 m above his

glove. However, his friends substitute a soft 250 g red grapefruit, so that it will
smash apart when he catches it. His glove stops the grapefruit in 0.010 s. What
force does the glove exert on the grapefruit?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

103.

93

Jimmy is correct because the larger box transmits the force to the smaller
box.
Jimmy is correct because Jean is pushing the larger box and the 84 N force
pushes the smaller box.
Clara is correct because the applied force pushes the total mass of both
boxes.
Clara is correct because an applied force on one of any two bodies always
acts on the bodies in a 2:1 ratio.
Neither is correct because we cannot calculate the forces on the individual
boxes.

A 2.30 kg mass is suspended from the ceiling and a 1.70 kg mass is suspended
from the 2.30 kg mass, as shown. The tensions in the strings are labeled T1 and

T2 . A hand exerts an upward force of 6.70 N on the 1.70 kg mass. The

magnitudes of the tensions are
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

T1 = 15.8 N ; T2 = 10.0 N .
T1 = 15.8 N ; T2 = 16.7 N .
T1 = 22.5 N ; T2 = 10.0 N .
T1 = 22.5 N ; T2 = 16.7 N .
T1 = 32.5 N ; T2 = 10.0 N .

T1
1

T2
2

94

105.

CHAPTER 5

A 2.30 kg mass is suspended from the ceiling and a 1.70 kg mass is suspended
from the 2.30 kg mass, as shown. The tensions in the strings are labeled T1 and

T2 . The string supporting the 1.70 kg mass is cut. The magnitudes of the tension
in string 1 before and after string 2 is cut are

106.

a.
b.

T1,i = 22.5 N ; T1, f = 5.80 N .

T1,i = 39.2 N ; T1, f = 5.80 N .

c.
d.
e.

T1,i = 22.5 N ; T1, f = 22.5 N .

T1,i = 39.2 N ; T1, f = 22.5 N .
T1,i = 39.2 N ; T1, f = 39.2 N .

T2
2

A 6.00 kg block is placed on a 30.0 incline and connected to another block on a

36.87 incline. Although the surfaces are frictionless the blocks do not move.
What is the mass in kilograms of the block on the 36.87 incline?
6.00 kg
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

107.

T1

m=?

1.80
3.00
4.00
5.00
6.00

A 4.00 kg block is suspended from the roof of an elevator. A 2.00 kg block is

suspended from the 4.00 kg block. The tensions in strings 1 and 2 are labeled T1
and T2 . When the elevator accelerates upwards with an acceleration of 2.20 m/s2,
the magnitudes of T1 and T2 are
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

108.

30.4 N; 15.2 N.
39.2 N; 19.6 N.
45.6 N; 15.2 N.
48.0 N; 24.0 N.
72.0 N; 24.0 N

T1
T2

A 4.00 kg block is suspended from the roof of an elevator. A 2.00 kg block is

suspended from the 4.00 kg block. The tensions in strings 1 and 2 are labeled T1
and T2 . When the elevator accelerates downwards with an acceleration of 2.20
m/s2, the magnitudes of T1 and T2 are
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

30.4 N; 15.2 N.
39.2 N; 19.6 N.
45.6 N; 15.2 N.
48.0 N; 24.0 N.
72.0 N; 24.0 N

T1
T2

The Laws of Motion

109.

95

Aline and Charlie are arguing as to whether or not it is possible in principle for
an elevator to have an acceleration of magnitude greater than g. In the course of
their discussion they come up with the statements below. Which one is correct?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

No, because once | a | reaches g, the elevator is in free fall.

No, because an acceleration greater than g is not possible.
Yes because it can reach an acceleration greater than g when the cable
breaks.
Yes, because it can reach an acceleration greater than g if the motor is strong
enough.
No, because it cannot exceed its terminal acceleration.

Open-Ended Problems
110.

A high-diver of mass 70 kg jumps off a board 10 m above the water. If, 2 s after
entering the water his downward motion is stopped, what average upward force
did the water exert on him?

111.

A 2000-kg sailboat experiences an eastward force of 3000 N by the ocean tide and
a wind force against its sails of magnitude 6000 N directed toward the northwest
(45 N of W). What is the magnitude and direction of the resultant acceleration?

112.

A box is dropped onto a conveyor belt moving at 2 m/s. If the coefficient of

friction between the box and the belt is 0.3, how long before the box moves
without slipping?

96

CHAPTER 5

The Laws of Motion

Chapter 5
The Laws of Motion
1.

33.

2.

34.

3.

35.

4.

36.

5.

37.

6.

38.

7.

39.

8.

40.

9.

41.

10.

42.

11.

43.

12.

44.

13.

45.

14.

46.

15.

47.

16.

48.

17.

49.

18.

50.

19.

51.

20.

52.

21.

53.

22.

54.

23.

55.

24.

56.

25.

57.

26.

58.

27.

59.

28.

60.

29.

61.

30.

62.

31.

63.

32.

64.

97

98

CHAPTER 5

65.

93.

66.

94.

67.

95.

68.

96.

69.

97.

70.

98.

71.

99.

72.

100.

73.

101.

74.

102.

75.

103.

76.

104.

77.

105.

78.

106.

79.

107.

80.

108.

81.

109.

82.

110.

1180 N

83.

111.

2.2 m/s2 at 74 N of W

84.

112.

0.7 s

85.

86.

87.

88.

89.

90.

91.

92.