Moving an object with constant force(N) in x direction

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Pushing an object with a constant force of 1N in the x direction cannot maintain constant velocity if the object has mass, as it would accelerate at 1 m/s². Constant velocity implies zero acceleration, meaning the net force acting on the object must also be zero. To achieve constant velocity while applying a force, other opposing forces, such as friction, must balance the applied force. An example could be a 1kg object on a frictionless surface where an equal opposing force counteracts the applied 1N. In summary, maintaining constant velocity while applying a force requires balancing forces to negate acceleration.
Kaxa2000
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Is it possible to continuously push on an object with a force of 1N in the x direction and keep moving it constant velocity? What is an example?


I know that if the object was 1kg and you pushed it with a force of 1N it would accelerate at 1 m/s^2. Can you have constant velocity and constant acceleration?
 
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No.

You can do one or the other, not both. See, acceleration is defined as the instantaneous rate of change of velocity with respect to time. However, if velocity is constant, its value at any point in time will be the same, so its rate of change will be zero, hence 0 acceleration. The converse is true as well. If you have some acceleration, then you must have a change in velocity.
 
Kaxa2000 said:
Is it possible to continuously push on an object with a force of 1N in the x direction and keep moving it constant velocity? What is an example?

It depends what the other forces are.

Can you think of an example? :smile:
 
Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Starting with the mass considerations #m(t)# is mass of water #M_{c}# mass of container and #M(t)# mass of total system $$M(t) = M_{C} + m(t)$$ $$\Rightarrow \frac{dM(t)}{dt} = \frac{dm(t)}{dt}$$ $$P_i = Mv + u \, dm$$ $$P_f = (M + dm)(v + dv)$$ $$\Delta P = M \, dv + (v - u) \, dm$$ $$F = \frac{dP}{dt} = M \frac{dv}{dt} + (v - u) \frac{dm}{dt}$$ $$F = u \frac{dm}{dt} = \rho A u^2$$ from conservation of momentum , the cannon recoils with the same force which it applies. $$\quad \frac{dm}{dt}...
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