The correct equation to determine the acceleration of an object is derived from Newton's second law of motion, which states that the net force acting on an object is equal to the mass of that object multiplied by its acceleration. This relationship can be expressed mathematically as:
[ F = m \cdot a ]
To solve for acceleration (a), you can rearrange the equation to isolate a:
[ a = \frac{F}{m} ]
In this scenario, you have a net force of 14 N and a mass of 2.8 kg. Thus, applying this equation allows you to find the acceleration by dividing the net force by the mass:
[ a = \frac{14 , \text{N}}{2.8 , \text{kg}} ]
This formula indicates that acceleration is directly proportional to the net force applied and inversely proportional to the mass of the object. When you have more force, you get more acceleration, and with more mass, the acceleration decreases for the same amount of force.
Other choices involve incorrect relationships: multiplying force and mass, reversing the relationship (mass over force), or adding mass to force, which do not conform to the established laws of physics. Understanding the