Question

which object will require the least amount of force to change its motion?
a. a 269 kg object moving 252 m/s
b. a 266 kg object moving 253 m/s
c. a 263 kg object moving 254 m/s
d. a 270 kg object moving 251 m/s

Explanation:

Step1: Recall Newton's second law

Force \(F = ma\). Here, we assume the same acceleration (since the problem is about comparing the force required to change motion, and if we assume a constant \(a\) for all objects, the force is directly proportional to mass \(m\)). The object with the least mass will require the least force (when \(a\) is the same).

Step2: Compare the masses of the objects

• Object A: \(m_A=269\space kg\)
• Object B: \(m_B = 266\space kg\)
• Object C: \(m_C=263\space kg\)
• Object D: \(m_D = 270\space kg\)

Since \(m_C

Answer:

C. A 263 kg object moving 254 m/s