A constant retarding force of 50 N is applied to a body of mass 20 kg moving initially with a speed of 15 m/s. How long does the body take to stop?
First, calculate the acceleration (retardation) using Newton's Second Law: $F = ma \Rightarrow a = F/m = -50 N / 20 kg = -2.5 m/s^2$. (Negative sign indicates retardation). Then, use the kinematic equation $v = u + at$, where $v = 0$ (final velocity when stopped), $u = 15 m/s$, and $a = -2.5 m/s^2$. So, $0 = 15 + (-2.5)t \Rightarrow 2.5t = 15 \Rightarrow t = 15 / 2.5 = 6$ seconds.