1. Understand the Concepts

* Newton's Second Law: The acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting on it and inversely proportional to its mass. (F = ma)

* Constant Acceleration Equations: Since the block is moving with constant acceleration, we can use the following kinematic equation:

* d = v₀t + (1/2)at² (where d = distance, v₀ = initial velocity, t = time, a = acceleration)

2. Identify Given Information

* Mass (m) = 500 g = 0.5 kg (convert grams to kilograms)

* Initial velocity (v₀) = 0 m/s (starts from rest)

* Distance (d) = 8 m

* Time (t) = 2 s

3. Calculate Acceleration (a)

* Using the kinematic equation: d = v₀t + (1/2)at²

* Substitute the values: 8 = (0)(2) + (1/2)a(2)²

* Simplify: 8 = 2a

* Solve for a: a = 8/2 = 4 m/s²

4. Calculate Force (F)

* Using Newton's Second Law: F = ma

* Substitute the values: F = (0.5 kg)(4 m/s²)

* Solve for F: F = 2 N

Therefore, the acceleration of the block is 4 m/s² and the force pulling it is 2 N.