According to Newton's Second Law, what happens when an unbalanced net force acts on an object?

• A. The object accelerates in the direction of the net force, with magnitude given by $a=\frac{F}{m}$.
• B. The object moves at constant velocity even though the net force is not zero.
• C. The object accelerates only if its velocity is initially zero; otherwise it continues unchanged.
• D. The object remains at rest regardless of the net force because inertia prevents any change in motion.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall Newton's Second Law, which states that the net force acting on an object is equal to the mass of the object multiplied by its acceleration. This can be written as \(\mathbf{F}_{\text{net}} = m \mathbf{a}\).
2. Understand that when there is an unbalanced net force (i.e., the net force is not zero), the object will experience an acceleration. This acceleration is in the same direction as the net force.
3. Express the acceleration mathematically by rearranging Newton's Second Law to solve for acceleration: \(a = \frac{F_{\text{net}}}{m}\), where \(a\) is the acceleration, \(F_{\text{net}}\) is the magnitude of the net force, and \(m\) is the mass of the object.
4. Recognize that this acceleration changes the velocity of the object, meaning the object will not continue moving at a constant velocity if a net force is applied.
5. Conclude that the object accelerates in the direction of the net force, regardless of its initial velocity, because inertia does not prevent changes in motion but rather resists them until a net force causes acceleration.