Question

A 4.59 kilogram crate is pushed along the floor. It has a normal force of 45 N, an applied force of 60 N, a gravity force of 45 N, and a friction force of 30 N. What is the magnitude of the crate's acceleration?

Answer 1

Vertical forces cancel (normal 45 N up balances gravity 45 N), so only horizontal forces matter. Net horizontal force = applied − friction = 60 N − 30 N = 30 N.

Acceleration = F_net / m = 30 N / 4.59 kg ≈ 6.54 m/s² (in the direction of the applied force).