Which statement best describes how force affects displacement?

The statement that best describes how force affects displacement is that force must cause the displacement for work to occur. This relationship is key in mechanics, as work is defined as the product of force applied over a distance. In essence, when a force acts on an object and causes it to move, displacement occurs.

This understanding is rooted in the concept that work only happens when there is a displacement due to a force; if there’s no movement, no work is done, even if a force is applied. For instance, pushing against a stationary wall applies force, but since there’s no displacement, no work is accomplished. Thus, for work to take place, the application of force must result in movement or displacement in the direction of the force. This highlights the direct connection between the application of force and the resulting displacement in physical systems.