Which term in physics describes the resistance of an object to changes in its motion?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Inertia is the term that describes the resistance of an object to changes in its motion. This property is explained by Newton's First Law of Motion, which states that objects tend to maintain their state of motion unless acted upon by an external force. Inertia is closely related to mass, where objects with more mass exhibit more resistance to changes in motion. Momentum (B) is the product of an object's mass and velocity, gravity (C) is the force of attraction between objects, and kinetic energy (D) is the energy associated with an object's motion. Therefore, the correct answer is A because inertia specifically addresses the resistance of an object to changes in its motion.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: According to the law of universal gravitation, the force of gravity between two objects is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. When the distance is doubled, the force decreases by a factor of 2 squared, which is 4. Therefore, the force decreases by a factor of 4. Choice A is incorrect because the force doesn't increase when the distance is doubled. Choice B is incorrect as the force doesn't increase but actually decreases. Choice C is incorrect as the force decreases by a factor of 4, not 2.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Kinetic energy is directly proportional to the square of the velocity of an object according to the kinetic energy formula (KE = 0.5 * m * v^2). When the velocity is doubled, the kinetic energy increases by a factor of 2^2 = 4. Therefore, the kinetic energy quadruples when the velocity of an object is doubled. Choice A is incorrect because halving the kinetic energy would be the result if the velocity was halved, not doubled. Choice C is incorrect because doubling the velocity would result in a fourfold increase in kinetic energy, not just a double. Choice D is incorrect because kinetic energy is directly related to the velocity of an object, so if the velocity changes, the kinetic energy changes accordingly.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: When an object is lifted higher above the ground, its potential energy increases. This is because the higher the object is lifted, the greater its potential energy due to the increased distance from the ground. The formula for gravitational potential energy is PE = mgh, where m is the mass of the object, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is the height above the reference point. Therefore, as the height (h) increases, the potential energy (PE) also increases, making choice C the correct answer. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because when an object is lifted higher, it gains potential energy rather than losing it, keeping it the same, or becoming zero. Thus, the correct answer is that the potential energy of an object increases when it is lifted higher above the ground.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Kinetic energy is directly proportional to the square of the velocity of an object according to the kinetic energy formula (KE = 0.5 * m * v^2). When the velocity is doubled, the kinetic energy increases by a factor of four (2^2), which means it doubles. Therefore, when the velocity of an object is doubled, its kinetic energy also doubles. Choice A is incorrect because kinetic energy is not constant but dependent on velocity. Choice B is incorrect because halving the velocity would result in 1/4 of the original kinetic energy. Choice D is incorrect as quadrupling the kinetic energy would occur if the velocity is squared, not the kinetic energy.