Question 42

Mass and acceleration are inversely proportional when the net force is kept constant.

When the net force acting on an object is constant, the relationship between mass and acceleration is inversely proportional, meaning that an increase in mass results in a decrease in acceleration and vice versa.

A) Mass and acceleration are not correlated.

This statement is incorrect because there is a clear relationship between mass and acceleration when considering Newton's second law of motion. The correlation exists as acceleration changes in response to variations in mass when the net force is constant.

B) Mass and acceleration are quadratically related.

This option is incorrect as it suggests a quadratic relationship, which does not apply in this context. According to Newton's second law, mass and acceleration are not related in a quadratic manner; rather, they influence each other linearly, but in an inverse manner when force is constant.

C) Mass and acceleration are directly proportional.

This statement is incorrect because direct proportionality implies that as one quantity increases, the other also increases. However, when the net force is constant, an increase in mass leads to a decrease in acceleration, indicating that they are inversely proportional instead.

D) Mass and acceleration are inversely proportional.

This statement is correct. According to Newton's second law (F = ma), if the net force (F) is constant, an increase in mass (m) results in a decrease in acceleration (a) and vice versa, establishing an inverse relationship between the two.

Conclusion

The correct answer, D, accurately captures the inverse relationship between mass and acceleration when the net force is constant. In contrast, options A, B, and C incorrectly describe the nature of this relationship, failing to recognize the fundamental principles of Newton's second law. Therefore, option D is definitively the right answer.