Question

A science class performed three investigations that each used several balls with different masses. The table below describes the procedures used and the conclusions reached during these investigations.

Force Investigations
Investigation Procedure Conclusion
1 Measure the force required to cause each ball at rest to begin to move. The greater the mass, the greater the force required to move the ball.
2 Measure the force required to cause each ball to slow down and stop while it is moving at 1 m/s. The greater the mass, the greater the force required to stop the ball.
3 Measure the force required to cause each ball to change direction while it is moving at 1 m/s. The greater the mass, the greater the force required to change the direction of the ball.

Which statement best explains the conclusions reached during the investigations?
A.
An object with greater mass has a greater resistance to changes in motion.
B.
An object with greater speed has a greater resistance to changes in motion.
C.
An object will travel only in certain directions depending upon its mass.
D.
An object with greater mass has less resistance to changes in motion.

Answer 1

A. An object with greater mass has a greater resistance to changes in motion.

Explanation: These results describe inertia—the tendency of an object to resist changes in its state of motion. Greater mass means more inertia, so more force is required to start, stop, or change the direction of motion.