Question

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 gravitational force.
the acceleration will be directed in the direction of the normal force.
the acceleration will be directed in the direction of the net force.
the acceleration will be directed in the direction of the applied force.

Explanation:

According to Newton's second law of motion, \(F = ma\) (where \(F\) is the net force, \(m\) is the mass of the object, and \(a\) is the acceleration). The acceleration \(a=\frac{F}{m}\), and since mass \(m>0\), the direction of acceleration \(a\) is the same as the direction of the net force \(F\). The gravitational force, normal force, and applied force are just components of the net - force. For example, if an object is on an inclined plane, the net force is a combination of gravitational, normal, and frictional (if any) forces, and the acceleration is in the direction of this net - force, not just the gravitational or normal or a single applied force.

Answer:

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