Final answer:
The statement about motivation is False. Motivation includes both intrinsic factors (from within) and extrinsic factors (from external influences). The concept of an external force in physics refers to any force acting from outside a system, affecting the motion of that system.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Motivation and External Forces
The statement 'Motivation refers to forces outside a person that affect his or her direction, intensity, and persistence of voluntary behavior' is False. While it is true that motivation can be influenced by external factors, the term 'motivation' encompasses both internal and external elements that direct behavior toward a goal. Motivation can be intrinsic, arising from within as individuals pursue activities for their own sake because of the personal satisfaction and fulfillment they bring. Alternatively, motivation can also be extrinsic, driven by external rewards or the avoidance of negative consequences. In the context of dynamics, external force refers to a push or pull originating outside the system of interest that can change the state of motion of an object or system according to Newton's first law.
Examples of external forces include gravity, friction, or a push from another person. In contrast, internal forces, such as muscles contracting within the human body, act within the system and do not change the center of mass motion of the system. It's essential to accurately define the boundaries of a system to distinguish between external and internal forces.