Question

Question
Two students are pushing a box, one on each side of the box. Kenny is pushing the box with a force of 10 N to the left. Michael is pushing the box with a force of 15 N to the right. Select the answer choice that best identifies whether the forces are balanced or unbalance and what the net force is.
Responses

unbalanced; 25 N to the left
unbalanced; 25 N to the left

balanced; 5 N to the right
balanced; 5 N to the right

unbalanced; 5 N to the right
unbalanced; 5 N to the right

balanced; 25 N to the right
balanced; 25 N to the right

Answer 1

To determine whether the forces are balanced or unbalanced, we can analyze the situation:

- Kenny is applying a force of 10 N to the left.
- Michael is applying a force of 15 N to the right.

To find the net force, we can calculate the difference between the two forces, taking into account their directions.

Net force calculation:
- Force to the right = 15 N
- Force to the left = 10 N

Net force = Force to the right - Force to the left
Net force = 15 N - 10 N = 5 N to the right.

Since the net force is not zero, the forces are unbalanced.

Therefore, the correct response is:

**unbalanced; 5 N to the right**