If the net force on an object is zero, what happens?

If the net force on an object is zero, what happens?

• A. It accelerates
• B. It moves along a curved path
• C. It stops
• D. It stays still or continues at constant speed

Answer: (D)

When the net force on an object is zero, it experiences no acceleration. According to F = ma, if F = 0 then a = 0, so the object's velocity doesn’t change. If it starts at rest, it stays at rest. If it’s already moving, it continues moving in a straight line at the same speed. It won’t speed up, slow down, or curve unless a net external force acts on it. This is why the situation described results in staying still or moving at constant speed.

When the net force on an object is zero, it experiences no acceleration. According to F = ma, if F = 0 then a = 0, so the object's velocity doesn’t change. If it starts at rest, it stays at rest. If it’s already moving, it continues moving in a straight line at the same speed. It won’t speed up, slow down, or curve unless a net external force acts on it. This is why the situation described results in staying still or moving at constant speed.