Question

net force and acceleration quick check
if multiple forces are acting on an object, which statement is always true? (1 point)
the acceleration will be directed in the direction of the applied force.
the acceleration will be directed in the direction of the gravitational force.
the acceleration will be directed in the direction of the net force.
the acceleration will be directed in the direction of the normal force.

Explanation:

According to Newton's second law of motion, \( F_{net}=ma \), where \( F_{net} \) is the net force, \( m \) is the mass of the object, and \( a \) is the acceleration. The acceleration \( a=\frac{F_{net}}{m} \). Since mass \( m \) is a scalar quantity (positive), the direction of acceleration \( a \) is the same as the direction of the net force \( F_{net} \). The applied force, gravitational force, and normal force are just components of the net force in different situations. They do not always determine the direction of acceleration. Only the net force (the vector sum of all forces acting on the object) determines the direction of acceleration.

Answer:

The acceleration will be directed in the direction of the net force.