## College Physics (4th Edition)

Published by McGraw-Hill Education

# Chapter 3 - Conceptual Questions - Page 109: 18

#### Answer

Yes, a set of x- and y-axes can be chosen so that the acceleration of the object has only one non-zero component. We can choose the x-axis so that the x-axis is parallel to the direction of the net force.

#### Work Step by Step

Yes, a set of x- and y-axes can be chosen so that the acceleration of the object has only one non-zero component. Let $F_{net}$ be the net force resulting from the two perpendicular forces. Choose the x-axis so that the x-axis is parallel to the direction of the net force. Then the y-axis would be perpendicular to the direction of the net force. We know that the acceleration vector must be in the same direction as the net force $F_{net}$. Therefore, the component of the acceleration is zero along the y-axis and non-zero along the x-axis.

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