Step 1: Understanding the Correct Verb Form
The correct answer is "hit," as it fits the simple past tense for a completed action in this context. The sentence describes a past action without any indication of ongoing or repeated action.
Step 2: Evaluating the Other Options
- "Has been hitting" (Option A) would imply an ongoing action, which does not fit the context of the sentence, as it refers to a past completed action.
- "Have been hit" (Option C) suggests the subject "the car" was affected by an ongoing action, which is incorrect.
- "Have hit" (Option B) is also incorrect because the subject "car" is singular, and the verb form "have" is plural, making it a mismatch.
Step 3: Conclusion
Thus, the correct verb form is "hit," making the sentence: "The car hit the tree."