Question

An object of mass 2 kg is sliding with a constant velocity of 4 m/s on a frictionless horizontal table. The force required to keep the object moving with the same velocity is

• A. 32 N
• B. 0 N
• C. 2 N
• D. 8 N

Answer 1

The correct option is B

0 N

Option (b): 0 N

Given

1. Mass of the object = 2 kg.
2. Velocity of the object = 4 m/s.
3. Table is frictionless. (No friction is working)
4. Velocity is constant.

Newton's first law of motion

1. According to Newton's first law “a body will remain in its state of rest or uniform motion along a straight line unless an external force is applied to it”.
2. As the object is moving with a constant velocity of 4 m/s on the frictionless table.
3. Since there is no friction acting i.e, no opposing force is acting.
4. Hence, no force will be required to keep the object in motion.

Thus, the force required to keep the object moving with the same velocity is 0 N.

Hence, option (b) is correct.