A force that causes an object to change its motion is known as what?

The term that describes a force which causes an object to change its motion is indeed force. In physics, a force is defined as an interaction that, when unopposed, will change the motion of an object. This can occur in various ways, such as changing the object's speed, its direction, or both. Forces can be applied in different contexts, such as pushing or pulling, and are measured in units called newtons.

Impulse, while related to the change in momentum caused by a force acting over a time interval, is not the direct answer to the question. Friction is a force that opposes motion between two surfaces in contact rather than a general term for forces that cause motion changes. Torque describes a force that causes rotation rather than linear motion change. Therefore, the most appropriate answer in this context is simply "force," as it encompasses all types of active influences that can modify an object's state of motion.