A student applies a force of 10 newtons to pull a wooden block along a flat surface. The force of friction exerts a resistive force of 5 newtons against the block. Which statement best describes the resulting motion of the block?

Question

1. The block will move to the right at a constant speed.
2. The block will accelerate to the right.
3. The block will move to the left at a constant speed.
4. The block will remain at rest.

Answer 1

To determine the resulting motion of the block, we need to analyze the forces acting on it.

1. The student applies a force of 10 newtons to pull the block.
2. The force of friction opposes the motion with a resistive force of 5 newtons.

The net force acting on the block can be calculated as follows:

\[ \text{Net force} = \text{Applied force} - \text{Friction force} = 10 , \text{N} - 5 , \text{N} = 5 , \text{N} \]

Since the net force is 5 newtons in the direction of the applied force (assuming it is to the right), the block will accelerate to the right.

Therefore, the correct statement that best describes the resulting motion of the block is:

2. The block will accelerate to the right.