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Grade 11Mechanics

A person of 70kg sit in a car and the car is moving in a acceleration of 5m /s2. The gravitational force applied in the person is?

Profile image of Koushik Pratihar
8 Years agoGrade 11
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1 Answer

Profile image of Askiitians Tutor Team
ApprovedApproved Tutor Answer1 Year ago

To determine the gravitational force acting on a person weighing 70 kg while sitting in a car that is accelerating at 5 m/s², we need to focus on the concept of weight, which is the force due to gravity. The gravitational force can be calculated using the formula:

Understanding Gravitational Force

The gravitational force (weight) acting on an object can be calculated using the equation:

F = m × g

Where:

  • F is the gravitational force (in newtons, N)
  • m is the mass of the object (in kilograms, kg)
  • g is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.81 m/s² on Earth)

Calculating the Gravitational Force

In this scenario, the mass of the person is 70 kg. The acceleration due to gravity (g) is approximately 9.81 m/s². Plugging these values into the formula gives us:

F = 70 kg × 9.81 m/s²

Now, let's do the calculation:

F = 686.7 N

Interpreting the Result

This means that the gravitational force acting on the person is approximately 686.7 newtons. It’s important to note that this force is independent of the car's acceleration. The gravitational force remains constant as long as the mass of the person does not change and they are on the surface of the Earth.

Acceleration of the Car

While the car is accelerating at 5 m/s², this acceleration does not affect the gravitational force acting on the person. Instead, it contributes to the net forces experienced by the person inside the car, such as the sensation of being pushed back into the seat. However, the gravitational force itself remains at 686.7 N.

Conclusion

In summary, the gravitational force acting on a 70 kg person in a car, regardless of the car's acceleration, is approximately 686.7 N. This force is a result of the Earth's gravitational pull and is calculated using the person's mass and the acceleration due to gravity.