A speedboat is moving at a constant speed, and the force propelling it forward is balanced by the force of the water pulling it backward. But suddenly a wave strikes it from the side with a force of 500 newtons.

Question

A speedboat is moving at a constant speed, and the force propelling it forward is balanced by the force of the water pulling it backward. But suddenly a wave strikes it from the side with a force of 500 newtons.

When the wave hits the boat,

a net force of 8,000 N will act on the speedboat.

the forces acting on the speedboat will stay balanced.

the speedboat's direction of motion will change.

a net force of 4,000 N will act on the speedboat.

Answer 1

The speedboat's direction of motion will change. When an external force (in this case, the wave) acts on an object, the object's motion will be affected, either by changing its speed, direction, or both. In this case, the wave strikes the boat from the side, which will cause the boat's direction of motion to change. So, the correct answer is: the speedboat's direction of motion will change.