Question

question 2. read the scenario below and answer question #2. an astronaut on a spacewalk outside the international space station accidentally lets go of a wrench. if the astronaut were to reach out and grab the wrench after letting go, what does this demonstrate about the forces acting on the wrench? a. the astronaut is applying an unbalanced force to change the wrenchs state of motion. b. the forces on the wrench are balanced, so it will not move. c. the astronauts action will have no effect on the wrench. d. the wrench will instantly stop due to the astronauts presence.

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze option A

When the astronaut applies an unbalanced force, according to Newton's first law (an object at rest stays at rest and an object in motion stays in motion with the same speed and in the same direction unless acted upon by an unbalanced force), it can change the wrench's state of motion. This is correct.

Step2: Analyze option B

If forces on the wrench are balanced, it will maintain its original state (either at rest or moving at a constant velocity). But the question is about what happens when the astronaut grabs (applies a force), not when forces are balanced. So this is wrong.

Step3: Analyze option C

The astronaut's action (grabbing, which is applying a force) will have an effect (change the wrench's motion) according to Newton's laws. So this is wrong.

Step4: Analyze option D

There is no such thing as instant stop without a force. And the astronaut's presence alone (not applying a force) won't make it stop. So this is wrong.

Answer:

A. The astronaut is applying an unbalanced force to change the wrench's state of motion.