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

Question

a. The force will cause the speed of the object to increase
b. The force will cause a change in the direction of the object.
c. The force will cause a change in the momentum of the object.
d. The force will cause the object to come to a stop.

Answer 1

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

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

This is because a net force acting on an object results in an acceleration (change in velocity), which in turn causes a change in the object's momentum (momentum is defined as mass times velocity). The other options may also be effects of a force under specific conditions, but option c is the most general and accurate description.