Final answer:
The correct answer is option c) The object is in equilibrium.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a net force acts on an object, it means that the total force resulting from all applied forces is not zero. This net force causes the object to change its momentum, which, according to Newton's second law of motion, results in acceleration. A net force is equal to the rate of change of the object’s momentum, meaning that if the momentum of an object changes (increases or decreases), there must be a net force acting on it.
For an object in uniform circular motion, even though the speed might remain constant, its direction is continuously changing, thus it is accelerating (centripetal acceleration). According to Newton's second law, there must be a net force causing this acceleration, which acts towards the center of the circular path.
When analyzing the scenario regarding a car moving at a constant velocity, Newton's first law comes into play. If a car is moving with constant velocity, the net force acting on it is zero because the frictional force counterbalances any drag force, and the car is neither accelerating nor decelerating.
If we apply a constant, nonzero force to an object, the velocity will change over time, meaning the object accelerates. This is because the applied force causes a change in momentum, and the object will continue to accelerate as long as the force is applied.