Question

Force on an object can not change its :

• A. Shape
• B. Mass
• C. Direction
• D. Speed

Hint:

Force can cause: 1. A change in the state of motion (start moving, stop moving, change speed, change direction). This is described by \(F=ma\). 2. A change in the shape or size of an object (deformation). Mass, however, is the amount of matter in an object and is not changed by applying a force in classical mechanics.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: A force is an interaction that, when unopposed, will change the motion of an object. It can also deform an object. Mass is an intrinsic property of an object. Step 1: Understanding the effects of force According to Newton's Laws of Motion and general physics principles:
Change in Speed (4): A net force can cause an object to accelerate (Newton's Second Law, \(F=ma\)). Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity. If velocity changes, its magnitude (speed) can change. For example, pushing a toy car can make it go faster.
Change in Direction (3): Force is a vector. If a force is applied in a direction different from the object's current motion, it can change the direction of motion. For example, a planet orbiting a star is constantly changing direction due to the gravitational force.
Change in Shape (1): Forces can cause deformation. If you squeeze a rubber ball or stretch a spring, its shape changes due to the applied force. Step 2: Considering mass Mass (2): Mass is a measure of the amount of matter in an object. In classical (non-relativistic) physics, the mass of an object is considered an intrinsic and constant property. Applying a force to an object does not change the amount of matter it contains. For example, if you push a 5 Kg box, its mass remains 5 Kg; it doesn't become 4 Kg or 6 Kg just because you pushed it. (Note: In relativistic physics, at very high speeds close to the speed of light, mass can increase. Also, in nuclear reactions, mass can be converted to energy. However, for typical scenarios implied by such a question, we assume classical physics where mass is constant unless matter is added or removed from the object.) Conclusion: A force can change an object's speed, direction of motion, and shape. However, applying a force does not change the object's mass. Therefore, force on an object cannot change its mass.