Is it possible for an object that has only one non-zero force acting on it to maintain a velocity that is constant in magnitude and direction?
no.
F = ma
so, if F is nonzero, so is a
a nonzero acceleration means that the velocity is changing.
Yes, it is possible for an object that has only one non-zero force acting on it to maintain a velocity that is constant in magnitude and direction. This is known as a state of constant velocity or uniform motion.
To understand why this is possible, we need to consider Newton's first law of motion, also known as the law of inertia. This law states that an object will remain at rest or continue moving in a straight line at a constant velocity unless acted upon by an external force.
In the scenario you described, where there is only one non-zero force acting on the object, if this force is balanced by an equal and opposite force, the object will experience no net force. According to Newton's first law, the object will continue moving in a straight line at a constant velocity.
To determine the magnitude and direction of the force required to maintain constant velocity, we can use Newton's second law of motion, which states that the net force acting on an object is equal to the product of its mass and acceleration.
If the object has a constant velocity, its acceleration is zero, meaning that the net force acting on it is also zero. This implies that the single non-zero force acting on the object must be balanced by an equal and opposite force, resulting in no net force and the object maintaining its constant velocity.
In summary, if an object is subject to only one non-zero force and that force is balanced by an equal and opposite force, the object will maintain a velocity that is constant in magnitude and direction. This condition is possible because of Newton's first law of motion.