Question

can a net force be applied to an object and still have the object maintain constant speed. explain.
a no, a net force accelerates an object
b no, a net force will always slow down the object.
c yes, a net force does not always accelerate an object.
d yes, if the net force is perpendicular to the motion of the object it will only change its direction.

Explanation:

To determine the correct answer, we analyze the concept of net force and motion. According to Newton's second law, a net force causes acceleration (\(F = ma\)). Acceleration is a change in velocity (which includes speed and direction). If a net force is perpendicular to the object's velocity (e.g., in circular motion, like a satellite orbiting Earth), the force changes the direction of motion while the speed (magnitude of velocity) can remain constant.

• Option A is incorrect because acceleration can be a change in direction (not just speed), so a net force can exist without changing speed (if it changes direction).
• Option B is incorrect because a net force can speed up or change direction, not always slow down.
• Option C is incorrect as a net force always causes acceleration (a change in velocity, which can be direction or speed).
• Option D is correct: when the net force is perpendicular to the object’s motion, it only changes the direction of the velocity (so speed, the magnitude, remains constant), like in uniform circular motion.

Answer:

D. Yes, if the net force is perpendicular to the motion of the object it will only change its direction.