* Constant velocity means the car is moving at a steady speed in a straight line. This implies that the net force acting on the car is zero.
* Net force is the sum of all forces acting on an object.
* Forces can cancel each other out. Even though there might be multiple forces acting on the car, they can balance each other out, resulting in a net force of zero.
Example:
Imagine a car driving at a constant 60 mph on a level highway. Here are some forces acting on it:
* Forward force from the engine: This force propels the car forward.
* Air resistance: The car encounters resistance from the air as it moves.
* Rolling resistance: The tires also experience friction as they roll on the road.
* Gravity: Gravity pulls the car downward, but the road provides an equal and opposite normal force, preventing the car from sinking.
In this scenario, the forward force from the engine is balanced by the combination of air resistance and rolling resistance. The downward force of gravity is balanced by the upward normal force from the road. Therefore, the net force on the car is zero, and it maintains a constant velocity.
Key takeaway:
Constant velocity does not mean there are NO forces acting on the object; it means the net force is zero.
