/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 78 An object moves with constant ve... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91Ó°ÊÓ

91Ó°ÊÓ

An object moves with constant velocity. Is it safe to conclude that no force acts on the object? Why, or why not?

Short Answer

Expert verified
No, it means no net force acts; forces may still be present but balanced.

Step by step solution

01

Understand Newton's First Law

Newton's First Law of Motion states that an object in motion will remain in motion with a constant velocity unless acted upon by a net external force. This means that if an object's velocity is constant, the net external force acting on it is zero.
02

Interpret Constant Velocity

An object moving with constant velocity has both constant speed and constant direction. It is not accelerating, which implies there is no net force causing a change in the velocity of the object.
03

Differentiate Between Net Force and Individual Forces

The net force is the vector sum of all forces acting on an object. Even if the net force is zero, it is possible for individual forces to be present but balanced, effectively canceling each other out.
04

Conclusion

If an object moves with constant velocity, it is not necessarily safe to conclude that no forces act on it; rather, it means the net force is zero. Individual forces may still be acting on the object but are balanced, resulting in no change in velocity.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!

Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Constant Velocity
When we talk about constant velocity, we're referring to an object that moves in a straight line at a steady speed. It's important to remember that velocity is not just about speed; it's also about the direction of motion. Thus, an object with constant velocity maintains both its speed and direction over time.

This translates to:
  • No speeding up or slowing down.
  • No turning or changing direction.
In practice, if you see an object moving this way, you can say it's in a state of constant motion. Such an object is not accelerating, because acceleration refers to changes in velocity, either in speed or direction.
Net Force
In physics, the term net force refers to the overall force acting on an object when all individual forces are added together. Newton's First Law tells us that if the net force is zero, the state of motion of the object remains unchanged. This means:
  • If the object is at rest, it stays at rest.
  • If the object is moving, it continues to move at constant velocity.
The concept of net force is crucial because it helps us understand how different forces affect an object's movement. If an object is not accelerating, the net force must be zero.
Balanced Forces
Balanced forces are at play when multiple forces act on an object but do not cause any change in its velocity. For example, imagine pushing against a wall with your hand while another friend pushes the wall from the opposite side with an equal force. The wall doesn't move, illustrating balanced forces.
  • Forces are equal in magnitude.
  • Forces act in opposite directions.
So even if forces are acting on an object with constant velocity, they are balanced. This means their effects cancel out, resulting in no overall force influencing the object’s movement.
Object Motion
Object motion refers to the movement of an object, which can be described in terms of speed, direction, and acceleration. According to Newton’s First Law, an object will continue in its state of motion unless acted upon by an unbalanced force. In simpler terms:
  • An unbalanced force changes the object's state of motion.
  • A balanced force maintains the object's current state of motion.
Understanding object motion helps us predict how objects will move in response to various forces. Observing the speed and direction can give insights into the forces at play, whether they're balanced or lead to changes in motion.

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

Rank Four joggers have the following masses and speeds: \begin{tabular}{|c|c|c|} \hline Jogger & Mass & Speed \\ \hline A & \(m\) & \(v\) \\ \hline B & \(m / 2\) & \(3 v\) \\ \hline C & \(3 m\) & \(v / 2\) \\ \hline D & \(4 m\) & \(v / 2\) \\ \hline \end{tabular} Rank the joggers in order of increasing kinetic energy. Indicate ties where appropriate.

A package rests on the floor of an elevator that is rising with constant speed. The elevator exerts an upward force on the package and thus does positive work on it. Why doesn't the kinetic energy of the package increase?

Think \& Calculate A \(1100-\mathrm{kg}\) car is coasting on a horizontal road with a speed of \(19 \mathrm{~m} / \mathrm{s}\). After passing over an unpaved, sandy stretch \(32 \mathrm{~m}\) long, the car's speed has decreased to \(12 \mathrm{~m} / \mathrm{s}\). (a) Was the net work done on the car positive, negative, or zero? Explain. (b) Find the magnitude of the average net force on the car in the sandy section of the road.

Predict \& Explain When a ball of mass \(m\) is dropped from rest from a height \(h\), its kinetic energy just before landing is KE. Now, suppose a second ball of mass \(4 m\) is dropped from rest from a height \(h / 4\). (a) Just before ball 2 lands, is its kinetic energy \(4 K E, 2 K E, K E, K E / 2\), or \(K E / 4\) ? (b) Choose the best explanation from among the following: A. The two balls have the same initial energy. B. The more massive ball will have the greater kinetic energy. C. The lower drop height results in a reduced kinetic energy.

Analyze Engine 1 produces twice the power of engine 2 . Is it correct to conclude that engine 1 does twice as much work as engine 2 ? Explain.

See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Physics Textbooks

View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.