How could a closed system be changed without changing the net force on that system?

(1 point)
increase the mass only
decrease the acceleration and decrease the mass by the same numeric values
decrease the acceleration only
increase the mass and decrease the acceleration by the same numeric values

1 answer

In a closed system, the net force is given by Newton's second law, which states that \( F = m \cdot a \) (force equals mass times acceleration). To keep the net force constant while changing the system, you can adjust the mass and acceleration in such a way that their product remains the same.

The option "increase the mass and decrease the acceleration by the same numeric values" is a correct approach. If you increase the mass while simultaneously decreasing the acceleration in such a way that the product \( m \cdot a \) (the net force) remains constant, you effectively change the system without altering the net force.

Thus, the correct answer is:

increase the mass and decrease the acceleration by the same numeric values.