What does Newton's Second Law state about the relationship between net force and an object's velocity?

Newton's Second Law states that the net force acting on an object is equal to the mass of the object multiplied by its acceleration (F = ma). This means that when a net force is applied to an object, the object will experience a change in its velocity, which is manifested as acceleration.

Acceleration is defined as the rate of change of velocity over time; therefore, if a net force is present, it will change the object's velocity, whether that means increasing its speed, decreasing it, or changing its direction. This directly aligns with the statement provided in the correct answer, which indicates that the presence of net force results in a change in the object's velocity, thereby indicating that acceleration is occurring.

This law establishes a clear link between force, mass, and acceleration, highlighting that an unbalanced force (net force) will lead to a change in motion, as characterized by the velocity of the object. Understanding this law is crucial in analyzing the motion of objects under various forces.