Work Energy Theorem: Explaining Constant Force and Acceleration

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The discussion clarifies that a body can accelerate even when forces are constant, as long as the net force is not zero. It uses the example of a car experiencing a crosswind, illustrating that the crosswind does not impact the car's forward motion but contributes to the overall forces acting on it. According to Newton's laws, an object will continue in motion unless a force acts upon it, which can result in either positive or negative acceleration. The relationship between force, mass, and acceleration is defined by the equation F = m*a, indicating that acceleration is dependent on the net force divided by mass. Therefore, for acceleration to be zero, the total forces must balance out to zero.
Miike012
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I posted a picture of the paragraph that I am confused about...

The following paragraph says the body accelerates even though the forces are constant...

can some one explain why the acceleration is not zero?
 

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Because the total forces don't equate to zero. Think about a car driving down the road(x), and you have a crosswind pushing you to the left(y). the cross wind doesn't affect the x distance. In this case your F1, F2, and F3 add together to create a constant of sigma F

Remember Newton's laws an object in motion will stay in motion, less something acts upon it to accelerate, or slow down said object. Acceleration can be positive, or negative.

Your force would have to equal out to zero for the acceleration to equal zero. Force is defined as Acceleration * mass

F=m*a getting acceleration by itself would equal F/m,or you could go for finding the mass = F/a
 

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