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Chapter 4: Problem 9

Is it possible for a nonzero net force to act on an object without the object's speed changing? Explain.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Yes, it is possible. A nonzero net force can act on an object without changing its speed. This happens when the force is acting perpendicular to the direction of motion, causing the object to move in a circular path and thus changing direction but not speed.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Newton's First law

Newton's First Law states that if the net external force on an object is zero, then its speed will not change. However, if a nonzero net force acts on an object then the object's state of motion will change, which means either speed or direction or both changes.
02

Differentiating between speed and velocity

The speed of an object refers to how fast an object is moving and the magnitude of its velocity but it does not involve direction. On the other hand, velocity is speed in a given direction.
03

Analyzing the effect of force on speed and velocity

If a nonzero net force acts on the object, it would mean that the object is accelerating. Acceleration could either be a change in speed or a change in direction. Therefore, it is possible for the object to be changing direction without changing speed, if the force is acting perpendicular to the direction of motion, causing the object to move in a circular path.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

You're asked to calibrate a device used to measure vertical acceleration in helicopters. The device consists of a mass \(m\) hanging from a massless spring of constant \(k .\) Your job is to express the acceleration as a function of the spring's stretch \(\Delta y\) from its equilibrium length. What's your expression?

What force is necessary to stretch a spring \(48 \mathrm{cm},\) if its spring constant is \(270 \mathrm{N} / \mathrm{m} ?\)

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Two masses are joined by a massless string. A \(30-\mathrm{N}\) force applied vertically to the upper mass gives the system a constant upward acceleration of \(3.2 \mathrm{m} / \mathrm{s}^{2} .\) If the string tension is \(18 \mathrm{N},\) what are the two masses?

Two large crates, with masses \(640 \mathrm{kg}\) and \(490 \mathrm{kg}\), are connected by a stiff, massless spring \((k=8.1 \mathrm{kN} / \mathrm{m})\) and propelled along an essentially frictionless factory floor by a horizontal force applied to the more massive crate. If the spring compresses \(5.1 \mathrm{cm}\) what's the applied force?
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