Suppose a particle is being accelerated through space by a 10-N force. Suddenly the particle encounters a second force of 10 N in the opposite direction of the first force. The particle with both forces acting on it
A)is brought to a rapid halt.
B)decelerates gradually to a halt.
C)continues at the speed it had when it encountered the second force.
D)theoretically tends to accelerate toward the speed of light.
E)none of the above

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When two forces of equal magnitude act on an object in opposite directions, they cancel each other out, resulting in no net force on the object. According to Newton's first law of motion, an object in motion stays in motion with the same speed and in the same direction unless acted upon by an unbalanced force. Since the forces are balanced, the particle continues at the speed it had when it encountered the second force.

Suppose a Particle Is Being Accelerated Through Space by a 10-N