If a force is applied in the same direction of an object's motion, the speed will __________.

If a force is applied in the same direction of an object's motion, the speed will __________.

• A. Increase
• B. Decrease
• C. Stop
• D. Happen

Answer: (A)

When a force is applied in the same direction as the motion, that force adds to the forward movement and causes the object to accelerate in that direction, so its speed increases. Think about pushing a sled that’s already sliding forward—the forward push makes it go faster. If you pushed the other way, the force would oppose the motion and slow it down, and without any forward push it would keep going at the same speed or slow due to friction. The idea here is that a forward push along the direction of travel makes the speed go up, which is why Increase is the best choice.

When a force is applied in the same direction as the motion, that force adds to the forward movement and causes the object to accelerate in that direction, so its speed increases. Think about pushing a sled that’s already sliding forward—the forward push makes it go faster. If you pushed the other way, the force would oppose the motion and slow it down, and without any forward push it would keep going at the same speed or slow due to friction. The idea here is that a forward push along the direction of travel makes the speed go up, which is why Increase is the best choice.