Which statement correctly describes the direction of acceleration when forces are imbalanced?

• A. The acceleration is perpendicular to the greater force
• B. The acceleration is opposite to the greater force
• C. The acceleration is in the direction of the greater force
• D. The acceleration is always zero

Answer: (C)

When forces acting on an object are imbalanced, there is a net force that determines the motion. The acceleration points in the direction of that net force, and its magnitude is a = F_net / m. If one force is larger than the other, the net force points toward the direction of the larger force, so the object accelerates that way. For example, if two people push a cart from opposite sides but one push is stronger, the cart accelerates toward the side of the stronger push. If the forces were equal, the net force would be zero and there would be no acceleration.