Answer to Question #156154 in Physics for Shalize Dookie

Question

A construction worker gives a wheelbarrow a greater acceleration when it is empty compared to when it is full of concrete. Clearly explain the physics behind this observation.

Answer 1

The Newton’s Second Law of Motion states that the acceleration of a wheelbarrow is directly proportional to the net force acting on it and is inversely proportional to its mass. We can state the Newton's Second Law of Motion mathematically as:

$$a=\dfrac{F}{m},$$

here, $F$ is the net force acting on the wheelbarrow, $m$ is the mass of the wheelbarrow and $a$ is its acceleration.

From this formula we can clearly see that the construction worker can give the wheelbarrow a greater acceleration when it is empty compared to when it is full of concrete.