Question

Two blocks made of different metals identical in shape and size are acted upon by equal forces which cause them to slide on a horizontal surface. The acceleration of the second block is found to be 5 times that of the first. What is the ratio of the mass of the second to first?

Answer 1

Let the mass of first block = m₁

acceleration of block of mass m₁ = a

Let the mass of second block = m₂

acceleration of block of mass m₂ = 5a

Force = mass × acceleration

Since forces are equal,

m₁ a = m₂5a

\(\frac{m_{1}}{m_{2}}\) = \(\frac{5a}{a}\) = 5

\(\frac{m_{2}}{m_{1}}\) = \(\frac{1}{5}\)