Question

answer the following.

1. when an object experiences an unbalanced force, how must it be moving?
2. if an object is being pulled by two forces, one 4 n to the left and the other 2 n to the right, what is the net force acting on the object?
3. define newtons first law in your own words.
4. what is the common name for newtons first law?
5. what physical quantity that can be measured relates directly to inertia?
6. if two objects experience the same net force, but they have different masses, which object will accelerate at a greater rate — the lighter or heavier object?

Explanation:

1. According to Newton's second law \(F = ma\), when there is an unbalanced force (\(F

eq0\)), there is an acceleration (\(a
eq0\)). So the object must be accelerating.

1. Assume the left - direction is negative and the right - direction is positive. The net force \(F_{net}=F_1 + F_2=-4N + 2N=-2N\). The magnitude is \(2N\) and the direction is to the left.
2. Newton's first law: An object at rest will remain at rest, and an object in motion will remain in motion (with a constant velocity) unless acted upon by an unbalanced force.
3. The common name for Newton's first law is the law of inertia.
4. Mass is the physical quantity that relates directly to inertia. A more massive object has more inertia.
5. From \(F = ma\), we can get \(a=\frac{F}{m}\). When \(F\) is the same, if \(m_1\lt m_2\), then \(a_1=\frac{F}{m_1}\gt a_2=\frac{F}{m_2}\). So the lighter object will accelerate at a greater rate.

Answer:

1. The object must be accelerating.
2. The net force is \(2N\) to the left.
3. An object at rest stays at rest and an object in motion stays in motion (at a constant velocity) unless an unbalanced force acts on it.
4. The law of inertia.
5. Mass.
6. The lighter object.