Which example shows an object acted on by two balanced forces?
O A baseball rolling to a stop
O A car moving at a constant speed in a constant direction
O A snowflake landing on a roof
• A skateboard rolling down a hill with increasing speed
A car moving at a constant speed in a constant direction shows an object acted on by two balanced forces.
To identify an example where an object is acted on by two balanced forces, we need to look for a situation where the forces are equal in magnitude and opposite in direction.
Let's consider each option:
Option A: A baseball rolling to a stop - In this scenario, the forces acting on the baseball include friction and air resistance. As the ball rolls, these forces act in the direction opposite to its motion, causing it to slow down and eventually come to a stop. However, the forces are not balanced since the friction and air resistance are not equal in magnitude.
Option B: A car moving at a constant speed in a constant direction - In this case, if the car is moving at a constant speed and in a constant direction, it means that the two opposing forces acting on the car are balanced. The force of the engine propelling the car forward is balanced by the opposing force of drag and other external forces, resulting in a state of equilibrium.
Option C: A snowflake landing on a roof - When a snowflake lands on a roof, it experiences the force of gravity pulling it downward. While there may be some air resistance acting in the opposite direction, it is typically not equal in magnitude to balance the force of gravity.
Option D: A skateboard rolling down a hill with increasing speed - When a skateboard rolls down a hill, two balanced forces are at play. The force of gravity pulls the skateboard downhill, while the force of friction opposes its motion. If the skateboard is rolling downhill with an increasing speed, it implies that the force of gravity is stronger than the force of friction, resulting in a net force acting on the skateboard, causing it to accelerate.
So, the only example of an object acted on by two balanced forces is Option B: A car moving at a constant speed in a constant direction.