A net force is applied to a moving object. Which statement best describes the effect of the force?

Question

• The force will cause a change in the direction of the object.
UNIT 3
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LESSON 4
Force and Motion
Forces that Change Motion
• The force will cause a change in the direction of the object.
• The force will cause a change in the momentum of the object.
• The force will cause a change in the momentum of the object.
• The force will cause the speed of the object to increase.
• The force will cause the object to come to a stop.

Answer 1

The best statement to describe the effect of a net force applied to a moving object is:

• The force will cause a change in the momentum of the object.

This is because according to Newton's second law of motion, a net force acting on an object results in an acceleration, which ultimately leads to a change in the object's momentum. While a force can also change the speed or direction of the object, the most comprehensive effect is that it changes the momentum.