Here's how to solve this problem using Newton's Second Law of Motion:

Newton's Second Law:

* F = m * a

Where:

* F is the force applied (in Newtons)

* m is the mass of the object (in kilograms)

* a is the acceleration of the object (in meters per second squared)

Given:

* m = 5.0 kg

* a = 8.0 m/s²

Solution:

1. Substitute the given values into the equation:

F = (5.0 kg) * (8.0 m/s²)

2. Calculate the force:

F = 40 N

Answer: The unknown force applied to the object is 40 Newtons.