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

north and west
north and west

south and east
south and east

north and east
north and east

south and west

Answer 1

To determine the direction in which the block will move, we need to find the resultant force acting on the block by combining the forces in the north-south and east-west directions.

**Forces:**
- Allie: 18 N to the north
- Bill: 14 N to the east
- Chris: 23 N to the south
- Debra: 20 N to the west

**North-South Forces:**
- North: 18 N (Allie)
- South: 23 N (Chris)

Net force in the north-south direction:
\[ \text{Net North-South} = 18 \, \text{N (north)} - 23 \, \text{N (south)} = -5 \, \text{N} \]
(The negative sign indicates the resultant force is directed to the south.)

**East-West Forces:**
- East: 14 N (Bill)
- West: 20 N (Debra)

Net force in the east-west direction:
\[ \text{Net East-West} = 14 \, \text{N (east)} - 20 \, \text{N (west)} = -6 \, \text{N} \]
(The negative sign indicates the resultant force is directed to the west.)

**Resultant Direction:**
Since the net force is 5 N to the south and 6 N to the west, the block will move in a direction that is south and west.

Thus, the correct response is:
**south and west**.