An object of mass 5 kilograms is moving across a surface in a straight line with a speed of 3.5 meters/second. What amount of force would be required to keep the object in motion if you ignore the surface friction?

A.
0 newtons
B.
17.5 newtons
C.
3.5 newtons
D.
5 newtons

1 answer

If we ignore friction and any other opposing forces, the object will continue moving at a constant speed due to Newton's First Law of Motion, which states that an object in motion stays in motion unless acted upon by a net external force.

Since there are no opposing forces to overcome (like friction), the amount of force required to keep the object in motion at a constant speed of 3.5 meters/second is 0 newtons.

So the correct answer is:

A. 0 newtons