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Are the net force on an object and the acceleration of the object directly proportional?

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Final answer:

The net force on an object is directly proportional to its acceleration, as described by Newton's second law of motion; acceleration doubles when force doubles and is in the same direction as the force.

Step-by-step explanation:

Yes, the net force on an object and the acceleration of the object are directly proportional to each other, in accordance with Newton's second law of motion. This law can be summarized with the equation a = Fnet/m, where a stands for acceleration, Fnet is the net external force, and m represents mass. It implies that when the net force acting on an object is doubled, the acceleration doubles, assuming mass remains constant. Similarly, if the net force is halved, the acceleration is also halved. Additionally, this relationship indicates that acceleration is in the same direction as the net force applied to the object.

It's important to note that while acceleration is directly proportional to force, it is inversely proportional to the object's mass. This means that for a given force, a heavier object will accelerate less than a lighter one. The experimental verification of these proportionalities across varied systems and scales fortifies the fundamental understanding of the dynamics of motion.

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