How does a net force affect an object's momentum?

Momentum, defined as the product of an object's mass and its velocity, is directly influenced by the application of a net force. According to Newton's second law, a net force acting on an object results in an acceleration, which in turn alters the object's velocity over time.

When a net force is applied, the change in velocity, which corresponds to a change in momentum, follows from the relationship expressed in the equation:

[ \text{Force} = \frac{\Delta \text{momentum}}{\Delta t} ]

This means that a net force will invariably lead to a change in momentum as long as it acts over a period of time. Therefore, any net force that causes an object to accelerate will result in a corresponding increase or decrease in its momentum, depending on the direction and magnitude of the force applied.

Understanding this relationship is crucial in predicting how objects will move and interact in various physical scenarios, making the concept of net force and momentum central to the study of dynamics.