What happens to the acceleration of an object if the net force acting on it increases?

Study for the NCEA Level 2 Mechanics Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Prepare for success!

When the net force acting on an object increases, the acceleration of that object will also increase. This relationship is described by Newton's second law of motion, which states that the acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting on it and inversely proportional to its mass.

Mathematically, this is expressed as ( F = ma ), where ( F ) is the net force, ( m ) is the mass, and ( a ) is the acceleration. If the net force (F) increases and the mass (m) remains constant, then the acceleration (a) must also increase to maintain the equation's balance.

For example, if you push a car with more force, it will accelerate more quickly. This is because the larger force results in a greater change in the car's velocity over time. Therefore, an increase in net force corresponds directly to an increase in acceleration, confirming that the correct response is that the acceleration increases.

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