18. if an objects mass decreases while a constant force acts on it, the acceleration a) decreases. b)…
18. if an objects mass decreases while a constant force acts on it, the acceleration a) decreases. b) remains the same. c) increases. d) will be zero.
Answer
Explanation:
Step1: Recall Newton's second - law
Newton's second - law is $F = ma$, where $F$ is force, $m$ is mass, and $a$ is acceleration. We can rewrite it as $a=\frac{F}{m}$.
Step2: Analyze the change
Given that $F$ is constant and $m$ decreases. Since $a=\frac{F}{m}$, when the denominator $m$ of a fraction decreases while the numerator $F$ is constant, the value of the fraction (acceleration $a$) increases.
Answer:
C. increases