To determine the acceleration of the box when a horizontal force is applied, we can use Newton's second law of motion, which states: \[ F = m \cdot a \] Where: - \( F \) is the net force applied to the object (in Newtons), - \( m \) is the mass of the object (in kilograms), - \( a \) is the acceleration of the object (in meters per second squared). ### Step-by-Step Explanation 1. **Identify the Given Values**: - Mass of the box, \( m = 10 \, \text{kg} \) - Applied force, \( F = 30 \, \text{N} \) 2. **Apply Newton's Second Law**: We need to find the acceleration \( a \). Rearranging the formula gives us: \[ a = \frac{F}{m} \] 3. **Substitute the Values**: Now, we can substitute the known values into the equation: \[ a = \frac{30 \, \text{N}}{10 \, \text{kg}} \] 4. **Calculate the Acceleration**: Performing the division: \[ a = 3 \, \text{m/s}^2 \] ### Conclusion The acceleration of the box is \( 3 \, \text{m/s}^2 \). Therefore, the correct option is **B**. ### Explanation of Other Options - **Option A: 0 m/s²**: This option suggests that there is no acceleration. However, since a force of 30 N is applied to the box, it will indeed accelerate. Thus, this option is incorrect. - **Option C: 6 m/s²**: This option implies a higher acceleration than what is calculated. If we were to have a force of 60 N (which is not the case here), then the acceleration would be 6 m/s². Therefore, this option is incorrect. - **Option D: 10 m/s²**: This option suggests an acceleration that would occur if the force were 100 N (using the same mass). Since the applied force is only 30 N, this option is also incorrect. ### Common Pitfalls - **Forgetting to use the correct units**: Always ensure that the force is in Newtons and mass in kilograms when using the formula. - **Confusing mass with weight**: Remember that mass is a measure of how much matter is in an object, while weight is the force due to gravity acting on that mass. - **Neglecting the frictionless condition**: Since the surface is frictionless, the only force acting on the box is the applied force, simplifying the calculation. ### Revision Summary - Use Newton's second law \( F = m \cdot a \) to find acceleration. - Rearrange to \( a = \frac{F}{m} \) for calculations. - Ensure units are consistent: force in Newtons, mass in kilograms. - Remember that a frictionless surface means no opposing forces affect the acceleration.