In which situation would the momentum of a moving object increase?
a a force acting in the direction opposite the objects motion is removed from the object
b Two forces of equal magnitude act on the object in opposite directions
c a force acting in the direction of the objects motion is removed from the object
d a new force acts on the object, opposing the objects motion
d a new force acts on the object, opposing the object's motion
The situation in which the momentum of a moving object would increase is when a new force acts on the object, opposing the object's motion. Therefore, the correct answer is option d: a new force acts on the object, opposing the object's motion.
The momentum of a moving object increases when a force acts in the direction of its motion. So, in this case, the correct answer would be option C: a force acting in the direction of the object's motion is removed from the object.
To understand why, let's consider the concept of momentum. Momentum is the product of an object's mass and velocity. Mathematically, it can be represented as:
Momentum = mass × velocity
When a force acts on an object, it causes a change in its momentum. According to Newton's second law of motion, the force acting on an object is directly proportional to the rate of change of its momentum. Therefore, when a force acts in the direction of an object's motion, it increases the object's momentum.
In this scenario, removing a force that was acting in the direction of the object's motion would result in a decrease in the opposing force. As a result, the object would experience a net force in the direction of its motion, causing an increase in its momentum.
To summarize, the momentum of a moving object increases when a force acting in the direction of its motion is removed from the object.