What happens if balanced forces are applied to a moving object? A. The object stops moving. B. The object moves faster in the same direction. C. The object moves slower in the same direction. D. The object keeps moving at the same speed and direction.

The object keeps moving at the same speed and direction.

Explanation:

This is because the balanced forces acting on the object cancel out each other since the are in opposite directions, leaving only the original force acting on the object which is causing its motion. To illustrate, let F₁ be the initial force and F₂ and F₃ be the balanced forces. The net force F = F₁ + F₂ + F₃. Since F₂ and F₃ are balanced, F₂ = - F₃ ⇒ F₂ + F₃ = 0.

So,

F = F₁ + F₂ + F₃

= F₁ + (F₂ + F₃)

= F₁ + 0

= F₁

Which is the original force acting on the object. Thus, the object keeps moving at the same speed and direction