If the net force of a system is a non-zero constant and the mass increases, what must be true about the acceleration?(1 point)

Responses

The acceleration decreases.
The acceleration decreases.

The acceleration is zero.
The acceleration is zero.

The acceleration increases.
The acceleration increases.

The acceleration is a non-zero constant.

1 answer

According to Newton's second law of motion, the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration is given by the equation:

\[ F = ma \]

Where:

  • \( F \) is the net force,
  • \( m \) is the mass,
  • \( a \) is the acceleration.

If the net force \( F \) is a non-zero constant and the mass \( m \) increases, we can rearrange the equation to solve for acceleration:

\[ a = \frac{F}{m} \]

Since \( F \) is constant and \( m \) is increasing, the acceleration \( a \) must decrease.

Therefore, the correct response is:

The acceleration decreases.