The image below shows a force of 10 N being applied to an object. The force is being applied toward the right, and the object is accelerating toward the right. No other force is acting on the object. Examine the image, and then answer the question that follows.
A second force of 13 N is applied to the object. If this second force is applied toward the left while the first force is being applied toward the right, which of the following will occur?
A.
The object will continue moving toward the right at the same speed.
B.
The object will continue accelerating toward the right.
C.
The object will immediately accelerate toward the left.
D.
The object will immediately begin moving toward the left.
The answer is D. The object will immediately begin moving toward the left.
This is because the two forces are in opposite directions and have different magnitudes. The force of 10 N towards the right is being counteracted by the force of 13 N towards the left. Since the force towards the left is greater, it will result in a net force towards the left, causing the object to change its direction and move towards the left.