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?

10 N

5N

(1 point)

The block will move to the right at a constant speed.

The block will accelerate to the right.

The block will move to the left at a constant speed.

The block will remain at rest.

1 answer

To determine the motion of the block, we need to analyze the forces acting on it. The student applies a force of 10 newtons to the right, while the force of friction acts as a resistive force of 5 newtons against the motion.

To find the net force acting on the block, we subtract the force of friction from the applied force:

Net force = Applied force - Friction force
Net force = 10 N - 5 N
Net force = 5 N (to the right)

Since there is a net force of 5 newtons to the right, the block will not move at a constant speed or remain at rest. Instead, it will accelerate to the right.

Thus, the correct statement is:

The block will accelerate to the right.