What is the downward weight force acting on a 5.0 kg box of potatoes?

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Get ready for the UCF PSC1121 Physical Science Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each offering hints and explanations. Boost your exam readiness with our resources!

To determine the downward weight force acting on a 5.0 kg box of potatoes, we use the formula for weight, which is derived from Newton's second law of motion. The weight (force) can be calculated using the equation:

[ F = m \cdot g ]

where:

( F ) is the weight force,
( m ) is the mass of the object (in kilograms),
( g ) is the acceleration due to gravity, which is approximately ( 9.8 , \text{m/s}^2 ) on the surface of the Earth.

Substituting the values into the equation:

[ F = 5.0 , \text{kg} \cdot 9.8 , \text{m/s}^2 ] [ F = 49 , \text{N} ]

The calculated weight force acting on the box of potatoes is therefore 49 N. This result aligns with the choice selected, confirming its accuracy based on the standard gravitational acceleration used in most physics courses.