An object accelerates (changes its speed) only if the forces acting on it in one direction are greater than the forces in the opposite direction, All of the following objects will accelerate EXCEPT?
What are your choices?
To determine which object will not accelerate, we need to consider the forces acting on each object in both directions.
1. A car moving forward: When a car is moving forward, the forces acting on it include the forward thrust from the engine, and possibly friction and air resistance in the opposite direction. If the forward force is greater than the opposing forces, the car will accelerate.
2. A person pushing a heavy box: When a person pushes a heavy box, the force exerted by the person creates a forward force. If the force exerted by the person overcomes the opposing forces like friction, the box will accelerate.
3. An object at rest on a table: An object at rest on a table does not experience any net force in either direction. The normal force exerted by the table balances the force of gravity acting downwards. Since there is no unbalanced force, the object will not accelerate.
4. A rock falling freely from a cliff: When a rock falls freely from a cliff, the only force acting on it is gravity. The force of gravity accelerates the rock downwards, and there are no opposing forces. Therefore, the rock will accelerate.
Based on the above analysis, the object that will not accelerate is an object at rest on a table.