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  • Calculating the Mass of a Falling Object: A Physics Guide
    Here's how to solve this problem:

    Understanding the Concepts

    * Force: The force of gravity on an object is its weight. Weight is measured in Newtons (N).

    * Mass: The amount of matter in an object. Mass is measured in kilograms (kg).

    * Acceleration due to gravity: On Earth, the acceleration due to gravity is approximately 9.8 m/s². This means that every second, an object's downward velocity increases by 9.8 meters per second.

    The Formula

    The relationship between force, mass, and acceleration is described by Newton's Second Law of Motion:

    * Force (F) = Mass (m) × Acceleration (a)

    Solving the Problem

    1. We know:

    * Force (F) = 147 N

    * Acceleration due to gravity (a) = 9.8 m/s²

    2. We need to find: Mass (m)

    3. Rearrange the formula to solve for mass:

    * Mass (m) = Force (F) / Acceleration (a)

    4. Substitute the values:

    * Mass (m) = 147 N / 9.8 m/s²

    5. Calculate:

    * Mass (m) = 15 kg

    Answer: The mass of the falling rock is 15 kilograms.

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