Final answer:
The object with the highest initial eastward momentum will experience the greatest change in momentum when a westward force is applied. Object C, with a mass of 44 kg moving east at 10 m/s, has the highest initial momentum, thus it will undergo the greatest change.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question is asking which object will undergo the greatest change in momentum when a force of 16 N to the west is applied. We can compare the changes in momentum by considering the direction of the force relative to the direction of motion and the magnitudes of the initial momenta.
Since momentum is a vector quantity, a force applied in the opposite direction to an object's motion will cause a greater change in momentum compared to the same force applied to an object traveling in the same direction as the force.
Now let's look at the objects:
- Object A: 44 kg moving east at 5 m/s. Initial momentum = 44 kg × 5 m/s = 220 kg·m/s east.
- Object B: 41 kg moving east at 5 m/s. Initial momentum = 41 kg × 5 m/s = 205 kg·m/s east.
- Object C: 44 kg moving east at 10 m/s. Initial momentum = 44 kg × 10 m/s = 440 kg·m/s east.
- Object D: 41 kg moving east at 10 m/s. Initial momentum = 41 kg × 10 m/s = 410 kg·m/s east.
Each object will experience the same force to the west, but a greater initial momentum east means a greater change when reversing direction. Since Object C has the highest initial eastward momentum, it will undergo the greatest change in momentum due to the applied force.
The answer is C. A 44 kg object that is moving east at 10 m/s will undergo the greatest change in momentum.