How is force defined in relation to motion?

Force is defined as an influence that causes an object to accelerate, which aligns perfectly with Newton's second law of motion. According to this law, force is directly related to mass and acceleration, expressed in the equation ( F = ma ), where ( F ) is force, ( m ) is mass, and ( a ) is acceleration. Essentially, when a force is applied to an object, it either speeds it up, slows it down, or changes its direction. This definition is fundamental to understanding how forces interact with objects in motion and is crucial in fields such as physics and engineering.

The other responses provide definitions or concepts that do not correctly describe force:

• The definition of mass as a measure in kilograms does not address the concept of force or its effects on motion.

• The product of velocity and time refers to displacement, not to the force acting on an object.

• The energy required to maintain motion relates to concepts of work and energy rather than force itself.

Understanding that force is specifically about causing acceleration helps grasp various applications in engineering and physics, emphasizing the dynamics of motion.