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?

Left 10 N

Right 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 resulting motion of the block, we need to analyze the net force acting on it.

The student applies a force of 10 newtons to the right, while the force of friction exerts a resistive force of 5 newtons to the left.

Calculating the net force:

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

Since there is a net force of 5 newtons acting to the right, the block will accelerate in the direction of that net force.

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

The block will accelerate to the right.