From the information given, the lab cart has a mass of 0.5 kg and the student exerts a force of 3N on it. We use the formula F = MV Where F = Force, M = mass and V = velocity In our case, F = 3N (or 3 Kg m/s²) , M= 0.5 kg , V is unknown. F= MV → MV = F → V = F / M V = 3 kg m/s² / 0.5 kg V= 3 / 0.5 V = 6 m/s² Therefore the acceleration of the cart 6 m/s²