What is the result of applying an external force on a system that affects momentum?

When an external force is applied to a system, it causes a change in the momentum of that system. This is rooted in the principle of momentum, which states that momentum is the product of mass and velocity. If an external force is exerted, it accelerates the mass, resulting in a change in velocity, and consequently, a change in momentum.

According to Newton's second law, the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration is described by the formula ( F = m \cdot a ). An external force changes the acceleration of the object, either increasing or decreasing its velocity, thereby altering its momentum.

In scenarios where the external force acts in the direction of the velocity, the momentum of the system will indeed increase as a result of that force. This can be observed in various practical applications, such as pushing a stationary car: the applied force speeds it up, leading to an increase in its momentum.

The other options do not account for the fundamental relationship between force and momentum change. The momentum cannot remain unchanged, decrease without an opposing force acting in the opposite direction, or vary unpredictably, as the effects of external forces follow well-defined physical laws. Thus, the correct response, highlighting that the application of an external force increases