A 15-kg block on a horizontal surface (μₖ = 0.20) is pulled by a horizontal force. The block accelerates at 2.0 m/s². What is the magnitude of the applied force? Use g = 9.8 m/s².
A30 N
B29.4 N
C59.4 N
D147 N
Explanation
📌 Friction = μₖ × mg = 0.20 × 15 × 9.8 = 29.4 N. Newton's second law: F_applied − 29.4 = 15 × 2.0 = 30 N. So F_applied = 30 + 29.4 = 59.4 N. Distractor A ignored friction; B used just the friction value; D used just weight.