Question

Four friends push on the same block in different directions. Allie pushes on the block to the north with a force of 18 N. Bill pushes on the block to the east with a force of 14 N. Chris pushes on the block to south with a force of 23 N. Debra pushes on the block to the west with a force of 20 N. Assuming it does not move vertically, in which directions will the block move?(1 point)
Responses

south and west
south and west

north and east
north and east

south and east
south and east

north and west

Answer 1

To determine the net force acting on the block, we can break down the forces acting in the north-south and east-west directions.

**North-South Directions:**
- Allie pushes to the north with a force of 18 N.
- Chris pushes to the south with a force of 23 N.

Net force in the north-south direction:
- Force to the south = 23 N
- Force to the north = 18 N
- Net force south = 23 N (south) - 18 N (north) = 5 N south

**East-West Directions:**
- Bill pushes to the east with a force of 14 N.
- Debra pushes to the west with a force of 20 N.

Net force in the east-west direction:
- Force to the west = 20 N
- Force to the east = 14 N
- Net force west = 20 N (west) - 14 N (east) = 6 N west

Now we have:
- A net force of 5 N to the south.
- A net force of 6 N to the west.

Thus, the block will move in the direction of the resultant force, which is effectively towards the south and west.

Therefore, the correct response is:

**south and west**.