Boxes A and B are identical in size but contain different materials
PHYSICS · Subjective · A Level · Physics · Mechanics and materials · Mechanics and materials
Problem
Boxes A and B are identical in size but contain different materials. The following observations are made using a spring balance:
• On Earth, when both boxes are hung together, the balance reads 147 N.
• On the Moon (where the acceleration due to gravity is 1.63 m s⁻²), box A alone shows a reading of 16 N.
Assume that each box is weighed in a vacuum chamber to eliminate air buoyancy.
(a) Calculate the mass of box A.
(b) Determine the mass of box B.
(c) If both boxes are placed on a smooth horizontal surface on Earth and the same horizontal force is applied to each box separately, which box will undergo the smaller acceleration? Justify your answer with calculations.