Force is a fundamental concept in physics. It represents a push or pull on an object, creating a change in the object's motion or state of rest. In the scenario of moving a suitcase, the student applies a specific force to overcome the inertia of the suitcase and move it towards the check-in stand.
Force is usually measured in Newtons (N). One Newton is defined as the force necessary to accelerate a one-kilogram mass by one meter per second squared. It is often calculated using the equation:
where \( m \) is the mass of the object and \( a \) is the acceleration.
However, in the given exercise, the force refers to the horizontal push necessary to perform work on the suitcase, which involves moving it a certain distance. The following formula relates force to work done:
- \[ W = F \times d \times \cos(\theta) \]
This specific calculation in our exercise simplifies since the angle is zero, meaning the force is applied directly in the direction of movement.