A net force is applied to a moving object. Which statement best describes the effect of the force?
1. The force will cause a change in the direction of the object.
2. The force will cause the speed of the object to increase.
3. The force will cause the object to come to a stop
4. The force will cause a change in the momentum of the object.
4. The force will cause a change in the momentum of the object.
The correct answer is 4. The force will cause a change in the momentum of the object.
To determine the effect of the net force applied to a moving object, we need to understand Newton's laws of motion. Newton's second law states that the net force acting on an object is directly proportional to the rate of change of its momentum, or in simpler terms, the force causes a change in momentum.
The momentum of an object is the product of its mass and velocity. Therefore, if a net force is applied to a moving object, it will cause a change in its momentum. This eliminates options 1 and 3, as they only mention a change in direction or coming to a stop without considering momentum.
Now, let's analyze the remaining options:
2. The force will cause the speed of the object to increase.
This option is incorrect because the speed of an object is specifically related to its velocity. However, the net force acting on the object will change its velocity, which includes both speed and direction. Therefore, option 2 is not the best description of the effect of the force.
4. The force will cause a change in the momentum of the object.
This option is the best choice because it accurately describes the effect of the net force. As stated earlier, a net force causes a change in the momentum of an object. Momentum is a vector quantity with both magnitude and direction, so changing the direction or the magnitude of an object's velocity will result in a change in momentum.
Therefore, option 4, "The force will cause a change in the momentum of the object," best describes the effect of the force applied to a moving object.