Question

Two children of different masses are sitting on identical swings. To impart identical initial acceleration, for which child would you require to apply a larger force? Explain why.

Answer 1

A greater force is needed for the child who has more mass.

We know that Force = mass × acceleration (F = ma).

To produce the same initial acceleration in both children, the required force is directly proportional to their mass. Since the heavier child has a larger mass, a greater force must be applied to give that child the same acceleration as the lighter child.