Question

A speedboat is moving at a constant speed, and the force propelling it forward is balanced by the force of the water pulling it backward. But suddenly a wave strikes it from the side with a force of 500 newtons. When the wave hits the boat, A. the forces acting on the speedboat will stay balanced. B. a net force of 4,000 N will act on the speedboat. C. the speedboat's direction of motion will change. D. a net force of 8,000 N will act on the speedboat.

Answer 1

the speedboat direction of motion will change

Answer 2

The correct answer is C: the speedboat's direction of motion will change. This is In fact, the new force of 500 N from the side of the boat is not balanced by any forces from the other side, and therefore this force will cause an acceleration in the direction of the force itself, which is not the same direction of motion. Therefore, the speedboat will acquire a movement on the lateral direction as well.