What could be a possible explanation why tectonic plates do not all move in the same direction

What happens in a global convection cell

Engineers find a new metal that is stronger than steel but much lighter. this material is also significantly cheaper than what is currently used for most aircraft, available in large quantities, and easy to manufacture. the engineers are excited because this new material will lower the costs of buying and operating airplanes for companies. what is probably the best step for the engineers to make next?

Under the action of a constant force an object accelerates at 7.8 m/s2. what will the acceleration be if (a) the force is halved? (b) the object's mass is halved? (c) the force and the object's mass are both halved? (d) the force is halved and the object's mass is doubled?