The net force must be in the direction of motion, so objects will travel along a line in that direction.

The diagram below represents a box is sliding along a frictionless floor in the direction shown, when a force of 20 N acts on the box to the right.

 

Which of the following choices, best represents the path of the block after the hand starts pushing?

a. b. c. d.

 Correct Answer

 Students who suffer from this misconception will choose answer a.

Related misconceptions/student difficulties that may arise in the question:

A constant force accelerates a body, until the body uses up all the power of the force.

An object with a constant net force will have a constant speed.

The motion will follow the path of the stronger force on the object.