Question

1. if an object has a free - body diagram as drawn below, which of the following could describe the motion of the object? accelerating left, accelerating right, at rest, moving at a constant velocity

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze horizontal forces

There is a force $F_{fric}$ opposing the applied force $F_{app}$. If the net - force in the horizontal direction is zero, the object will not accelerate horizontally. If $F_{fric}=F_{app}$, the object can be moving at a constant velocity or be at rest. In the vertical direction, if the gravitational force $F_{grav}$ is balanced by the normal force (not shown but assumed to be there in a typical surface - based scenario), the object's vertical motion is stable.

Step2: Consider Newton's first law

Newton's first law states that an object at rest stays at rest and an object in motion stays in motion with a constant velocity unless acted upon by an unbalanced force. Since we have no information suggesting an unbalanced force in the horizontal or vertical directions (assuming proper vertical balance), the object could be moving at a constant velocity.

Answer:

Moving at a constant velocity