Question

Two workers are pushing on the same large crate. One worker pushes east with a force of 875 N, while the other worker pushes north with a force of 960 N. Friction between the crate and the floor is directed west with a force of 80 N and south with a force of 105 N. Assuming drag due to air resistance is negligible, what are the total north-south net forces and the total east-west net forces acting on the crate, causing it to accelerate across the floor? (1 point)
• 795 N to the south and 855 N to the west
• 855 N to the north and 795 N to the east
• 855 N to the south and 759 N to the west
O 795 N to the north and 855 N to the east

Answer 1

To find the total north-south and east-west net forces acting on the crate, we need to analyze the forces in each direction separately.

**East-West Forces:**
- Worker 1 pushes east with a force of 875 N.
- Friction acts west with a force of 80 N.

**Net East-West Force:**
\[
F_{east-west} = F_{east} - F_{west} = 875\, \text{N} - 80\, \text{N} = 795\, \text{N} \text{ (to the east)}
\]

**North-South Forces:**
- Worker 2 pushes north with a force of 960 N.
- Friction acts south with a force of 105 N.

**Net North-South Force:**
\[
F_{north-south} = F_{north} - F_{south} = 960\, \text{N} - 105\, \text{N} = 855\, \text{N} \text{ (to the north)}
\]

Now, we can summarize:
- Total net force to the north: 855 N
- Total net force to the east: 795 N

So, the total north-south net forces acting on the crate are **855 N to the north**, and the total east-west net forces are **795 N to the east**.

The correct answer choice is actually **795 N to the east and 855 N to the north.**