Final answer:
An additional force applied to an object moving at constant speed in the same direction will cause the object to accelerate. This follows from Newton's second law of motion that relates force, mass, and acceleration.
Step-by-step explanation:
Effect of an Additional Force on an Object Moving at Constant Speed
When an object is moving at constant speed and an additional force is applied in the same direction as the object’s motion, the effect is that the object will accelerate in the direction of the applied force. This is due to Newton's second law of motion, which states that the acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting upon it and inversely proportional to its mass. If the force is applied in the direction of the object's motion, the object's speed will increase, resulting in acceleration.
It is worth noting, however, if the object was initially moving at a constant velocity, this implies that there was no net force acting on the object (forces were balanced). Upon applying an additional force while the object is in motion, the balance of forces is disrupted, leading to a net force in the direction of the applied force and therefore causing acceleration.
Considering a scenario of a car moving at a constant velocity, the net force is zero. If the driver presses the accelerator, an additional force is applied, and the car accelerates. This continues until a new balance of forces is reached, or the force is removed.