A ball of mass 0.5km is accelerated at 4m/s2 if a second ball of mass 1 kg is to achieve the same acceleration, what force must be applied to it?

Appeared in: RRB Nsg. Superintendent-2026 (Shift -3rd)

Explanation

The question requires the application of Newton's Second Law of Motion, which states that Force = mass × acceleration (F=ma).
The mass of the second ball is given as 1 kg.
The required acceleration is the same as the first ball, which is 4 m/s².
Substituting the values into the formula gives: Force = 1 kg × 4 m/s² = 4 N.

Option A: This is the force required to accelerate the first ball (0.5 kg × 4 m/s² = 2 N), not the second ball.
Option B: This value is a result of an incorrect calculation and does not align with the formula F=ma using the given values.
Option C: This value represents the mass of the first ball (0.5 kg), not a unit of force (Newtons).

Visual 1: Diagram - A simple diagram illustrating Newton's Second Law. It could show two blocks of different masses (0.5 kg and 1 kg) and the respective force vectors (2 N and 4 N) required to produce the same acceleration (4 m/s²), visually demonstrating that greater mass requires greater force for the same acceleration.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Application of Newton's Second Law of Motion (F=ma) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
This question assesses foundational knowledge of physics, which is part of the general science curriculum for some nursing entrance examinations.
Understanding basic physics principles like force and motion can be conceptually helpful in biomechanics, such as when learning about patient transfer techniques, body mechanics, and the forces involved in preventing injury.
What if? If the second ball had a mass of 2 kg and the required acceleration was 5 m/s², the force needed would be F = 2 kg × 5 m/s² = 10 N, further illustrating the direct proportionality in F=ma.

How to Approach the Question

Step 1: Identify the core principle being tested. The question involves mass, acceleration, and force, which points directly to Newton's Second Law of Motion.
Step 2: Recall the correct formula for this principle: Force (F) = mass (m) × acceleration (a).
Step 3: Carefully read the question to extract the relevant values for the calculation. The question asks for the force on the second ball, which has a mass of 1 kg and must achieve an acceleration of 4 m/s².
Step 4: Distinguish the data for the second ball from the data for the first ball (mass = 0.5 kg), which is provided as a distractor.
Step 5: Substitute the correct values into the formula: F = 1 kg × 4 m/s².
Step 6: Calculate the result (4 N) and select the matching option.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full RRB Nsg. Superintendent-2026 (Shift -3rd)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.