Randall D. Knight — Force and Motion: Problem 38

Problems 35 through 40 show a free-body diagram. For each: a. Identify the direction of the acceleration vector \(\vec{a}\) and show it as a vector next to your diagram. Or, if appropriate, write \(\vec{a} = \vec{0}\). b. If possible, identify the direction of the velocity vector \(\vec{v}\) and show it as a labeled vector. c. Write a short description of a real object for which this is the correct free-body diagram. Use Examples 5.4, 5.5, and 5.6 as models of what a description should be like. Figure P5.38 shows a free-body diagram for an object with a normal force \(\vec{n}\) pointing vertically upward, a gravitational force \(\vec{F}_G\) pointing vertically downward, a kinetic friction force \(\vec{f}_k\) pointing to the left, and a spring force \(\vec{F}_{Sp}\) pointing to the right. A net force vector \(\vec{F}_{net}\) is shown pointing to the right.