How does an unbalanced force affect the motion of an object?

An unbalanced force has a significant impact on the motion of an object by either causing it to accelerate, change direction, or both. According to Newton's second law of motion, when a net force acts on an object, it will cause that object to move in the direction of the net force. This is why an unbalanced force can change the state of an object from rest to motion or alter its existing motion, such as changing its velocity or direction. For example, if you push a stationary object like a book on a table, the unbalanced force from your push sets the book into motion. Similarly, if a car turns at a corner, the frictional force acting on it is unbalanced compared to the forward motion, resulting in a change in direction.

The other options do not accurately describe the effects of unbalanced forces. An unbalanced force does not maintain an object at rest; rather, it initiates movement or alters motion. It also has no role in making an object float, which is typically a result of buoyant forces being in balance with gravity. Finally, balanced forces counteract one another, resulting in no change in motion, differing fundamentally from what occurs with unbalanced forces. Thus, the ability of an unbalanced