Question

In which situation would the momentum of a moving object increase?

A. A new force acts on the object, opposing the object’s motion.
B. A force acting in the direction of the object’s motion is removed from the object.
C. A force acting in the direction opposite the object’s motion is removed from the object.
D. Two forces of equal magnitude act on the object in opposite directions.

Answer 1

Answer: C.

Reason: Momentum increases only when there is a net force in the direction of motion (Newton’s 2nd law → acceleration in that direction). Removing a force that acted opposite the motion produces a net forward force, so the object speeds up and its momentum increases.