Question

homework 5 begin date: 8/17/2025 11:00:00 pm due date: 9/30/2025 11:59:00 pm end date: 9/30/2025 11:59:00 pm problem 1: (8% of assignment value) several forces act on a ball. which of the following statements must be true? the velocity is in the direction of the resultant force, but the acceleration could be in any direction. the velocity and acceleration are in the direction of the resultant force. none of these choices. the velocity could be in any direction, but the acceleration is in the direction of the resultant force. the velocity and acceleration could be in any direction. submit hint feedback i give up! 4 submission(s) remaining hints: 4% deduction per hint. hints remaining: 1 feedback: 5% deduction per feedback.

Explanation:

According to Newton's second - law of motion, $\vec{F} = m\vec{a}$, where $\vec{F}$ is the resultant force, $m$ is the mass, and $\vec{a}$ is the acceleration. The acceleration is in the direction of the resultant force. The velocity of an object is not necessarily in the direction of the resultant force or acceleration. For example, an object moving in a circular path has a centripetal force (resultant force in the radial direction) causing centripetal acceleration in the radial direction, but the velocity is tangential to the circle.

Answer:

The velocity could be in any direction, but the acceleration is in the direction of the resultant force.