If only a single nonzero force acts on an object, does the object accelerate relative to all inertial reference frames? Is it possible for such an object to have zero velocity in some inertial reference frame and not in another? If so, give a specific example.
Yes to both questions. Example of zero relative velocity: a passenger inside a car moving at constant velocity.
Thanks a lot
If a single nonzero force acts on an object, the object will indeed accelerate relative to all inertial reference frames. This is because acceleration is directly proportional to the net force exerted on an object, as described by Newton's second law of motion.
To understand why the object accelerates relative to all inertial reference frames, we can consider the principle of relativity. According to this principle, the laws of physics should remain the same in all inertial reference frames. In other words, if an object is observed to accelerate in one reference frame, it should also appear to accelerate in all other inertial reference frames.
Now, let's address the second part of your question. It is indeed possible for an object to have zero velocity in one inertial reference frame and not in another. This situation arises when the object is undergoing relative motion with respect to different reference frames.
Here's a specific example: Imagine a car moving on a straight road with a constant speed of 60 miles per hour. From the perspective of a person sitting inside the car, the car's velocity is zero since they are at rest relative to the car itself. However, from the perspective of someone standing outside the car, the car's velocity is 60 miles per hour.
So, in this example, the car has zero velocity in the reference frame of the person inside the car but has a nonzero velocity of 60 miles per hour in the reference frame of the person outside the car. However, it's important to note that the car is not accelerating in this scenario since there is no net force acting on it.
In summary, an object will accelerate relative to all inertial reference frames if a nonzero force acts on it. Furthermore, it is possible for an object to have zero velocity in one inertial reference frame and not in another, as demonstrated by the example of a moving car.