Physics

Physics

Problem

Calculate the magnitude of the net force acting on a hockey puck of mass 0.15 kg0.15\,\text{kg} that accelerates uniformly at 20 m s−220\,\text{m\,s}^{-2}.
Intuitive explanation

This is a straightforward application of Newton's second law: force and acceleration are directly proportional through mass. Since you know the puck's mass and its acceleration, you can find the net force pushing it by multiplying these two quantities together. The key is recognizing that "net force" means you're already accounting for all forces combined, so no force diagram analysis is needed here.

Intuitive explanation

This is a straightforward application of Newton's second law: force and acceleration are directly proportional through mass. Since you know the puck's mass and its acceleration, you can find the net force pushing it by multiplying these two quantities together. The key is recognizing that "net force" means you're already accounting for all forces combined, so no force diagram analysis is needed here.

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