A constant unbalanced force is applied to an object for a period of time. What would the graph look like as acceleration as a function of elapsed time?
constant force means constant acceleration
the graph is a flat line (zero slope)
If a constant unbalanced force is applied to an object for a period of time, the graph of acceleration as a function of elapsed time would be a horizontal line. This is because an unbalanced force causes an object to accelerate, and if the force is constant, the acceleration will also remain constant. Therefore, the graph of acceleration against time would show a flat line at a specific value of acceleration.
To understand the graph of acceleration as a function of elapsed time for an object experiencing a constant unbalanced force, we need to consider Newton's second law of motion, which states that the acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting on it and inversely proportional to its mass. Mathematically, this can be written as:
F = m * a
where F is the force acting on the object, m is its mass, and a is its acceleration.
In the case of a constant unbalanced force, the force acting on the object remains constant throughout the given period of time. Therefore, we can rearrange Newton's second law to solve for acceleration:
a = F / m
Since the force and mass are constant, the acceleration will also remain constant as long as the force is applied. Hence, the graph of acceleration as a function of elapsed time will be a horizontal line at a constant value.
The slope of this graph will be zero since there is no change in acceleration with respect to time.